Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 1

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 1 Contents

1 Foreword

3 Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report

5 The 2010–11 year in review

5 The Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework in 2010-11

7 Key actions announced by the Premier in March 2011

11 The Council of Australian Governments’ National Indigenous Reform Agreement

13 The year ahead in Indigenous Affairs in Victoria

17 Appendix 1 Strategic Area for Action 1 Improve Maternal and Early Childhood Health and Development

26 Strategic Area for Action 2 Improve education outcomes

36 Strategic Area for Action 3 Improve economic development, settle native title claims and address land access issues

43 Strategic Area for Action 4 Improve health and wellbeing

50 Strategic Area for Action 5 Build Indigenous capacity

54 Strategic Area for Action 6 Prevent family violence and improve justice outcomes

65 Acronyms

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 2 Foreword

I am pleased to present the Victorian Government’s Indigenous Affairs Report 2010–11. The Victorian Government is committed to continuing the release of an annual report in the interests of transparency and accountability. Highlights of our first seven months in Government included:

• The initiation of the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry by the Premier, the Hon. Ted Baillieu, on 31 January 2011. This is particularly important for Indigenous families and children given the high level of over representation of Indigenous children in the child protection system.

• The Premier recommitting Victoria’s participation in the National Indigenous Reform Agreement at the Council of Australian Governments meeting in February 2011.

• Signing a ‘Statement of Intent’ to close the gap in outcomes for Indigenous people by the Premier in Queen’s Hall of the Victorian Parliament on National Close the Gap Day in March 2011. The Deputy Premier and I were also signatories to the bi-partisan Statement, along with the Leader of the Opposition, the Shadow Spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs, and Indigenous leaders.

• The initiation of a Parliamentary Inquiry into the establishment and effectiveness of Registered Aboriginal Parties and areview of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

• The launch of Wayaperri, a leadership and training initiative, at the Institute of Company Directors in March 2011. With eleven Indigenous Victorians having completed the highly acclaimed Company Director’s course in 2010–11 and more graduates expected this year, this program is proving to be a success.

• I was proud to establish Australia’s first Indigenous Honoroll. The Premier launched the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll in May 2011 by presenting the first two nominations for induction, Sir Douglas Nicholls KCVO OBE JP and William Barak.

• An investment of an additional $2.2 million over four years for governance training initiatives. As of 30 June 2011, 575 Indigenous Victorians had participated in this program since its commencement in 2006 and 158 had graduated with a Certificate IV in Business (Governance). Of these, 27 had continued on to complete the Diploma of Business (Governance).

• Reinstating funding of $200,000 per year for four years to Reconciliation Victoria.

• Strengthening Aboriginal Organisations through an investment of an additional $2.14 million towards capacity building of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and their workforces. This will enable them to effectively deliver culturally responsive, high quality services to Aboriginal children and families. Importantly, we have taken the time to listen and learn. Since becoming Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, I have met with many Elders, leaders and community members from across Victoria’s Indigenous communities who tell me that they want quality education for their children and young people, good jobs for school leavers, and strong, safe families and communities. These aspirations are shared by this Government.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 3 There have been some solid achievements in 2010–11. Victoria was the first State to support access to kindergarten for 3 year-old children and the investment is resulting in significantly improved outcomes. The number of Indigenous 3 year-old children enrolled in kindergarten grew from 109 in 2008 to 343 in 2011 and the number of Indigenous 4 year-old children enrolling grew from 525 in 2008 to 742 in 2011. Participation in early childhood education is associated with increased levels of school completed, and enhanced literacy and social skills. Another achievement to be recognised is that one in every three Indigenous Year 12 leavers in 2010 had enrolled in university for 2011. This is the highest university enrolment rate for Indigenous Year 12 leavers since 2006 and is a very promising trend. However we cannot be complacent. This report also highlights where Victoria is behind national averages for Indigenous Australians. These are:

• Smoking rates.

• School retention rates to Year 10.

• Over-representation in the child protection system. I’m pleased that there have been improvements. Year 10 retention has increased more than 10 percentage points from 2009 to 2010. We still need to do better and ask hard questions such as ‘is the funding providing programs and services that best meet the needs of Indigenous Victorians?’, ‘what evidence do we have?’ and ‘are there any changes that need to be made?’. My ministerial colleagues from across a broad range of portfolios recognise that improving outcomes requires a whole-of-government effort. To break the cycle of disadvantage, we need to strengthen our efforts in early childhood development, and education and training in addition to increased economic participation. We need to maintain effort in health services and continue to improve justice outcomes. We need both a short and long term view that supports young people and adults today and ensures that the next generation, who are currently in early childhood and school, will have healthy, prosperous and economically independent lives. The Government will release a strengthened Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework in 2012. Services that work linked to measurable outcomes, accountability and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities will underpin the Framework. Economic participation will be the focus of an integrated approach and will include early childhood development, education, training and skills. A renewed and revitalised focus on economic development is critical to breaking the cycle of disadvantage and improving quality of life outcomes. Closing the gap in health, education and housing outcomes underpins the ability and capacity of Indigenous Victorians to build a better future. Having a job and a valued place in the economy builds confidence and self esteem, and contributes to Victoria’s competitive advantage. More prosperous and economically engaged Indigenous communities will benefit all Victorians. To complement the revised Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework, the Victorian Government will release an Indigenous Economic Participation and Development Strategy in 2012. Importantly, this Strategy will build on Moonda Wurrin Gree, the 2010 report of the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Development Group. A revised approach to Indigenous Affairs will foster a joined up approach between the various sectors. Partnerships between government, community, business and philanthropic sectors will make more effective use of resources and expertise.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 4 The Commonwealth Government continues to play a key role in supporting Indigenous Victorians and I am very pleased that through the Council of Australian Governments’ the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments’ are working closely on projects to support improved economic participation and development. The Victorian Government has consistently called for the Commonwealth Government to place a much higher priority on the needs of Indigenous people in urban and regional areas, specifically in the areas of health, housing and employment. Closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians is a long term commitment. Targeted and strategic actions can deliver results in both the short, medium and long terms. For example, current improvements in kindergarten participation will provide life long benefits. I look forward to a productive year ahead which will set the directions and lay down the foundations for lasting change and improvements for all Indigenous Victorians.

Jeanette Powell MP Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 5 Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010–11 Indigenous Victorians occupy an important place as the original inhabitants and custodians of the land

The place now known as Victoria has been home to more than 30 Indigenous cultural groups for tens of thousands of years. It is estimated that when the Europeans first arrived some 200 years ago, the traditional economies of Indigenous nations across Victoria sustained more than 60,000 people. Victoria today is founded on complex Indigenous societies characterised by shared kinship, language, law, stories, songs and spiritual beliefs through connection to country. Early European routes followed ancient traditional song lines and trade routes, which were later formalised as road and rail networks. Indigenous Victorians make a valuable contribution to our economy as employees, business owners and managers across a broad range of industries such as media, sport, law and health. The Indigenous population is young and growing in comparison to the non-Indigenous population (which is ageing with population growth slowing) and, over time, there will be increasing economic opportunities for skilled Indigenous Victorians.

Disadvantage is limiting the aspirations, achievements and contribution of Indigenous Victorians

The social and economic circumstances of many Indigenous families in Victoria are unacceptable. Indigenous Victorians are more likely to be involved in the justice system, be admitted to hospital, and suffer chronic illness and health problems. They are less likely to finish school, attend university and have a sustainable job. Ultimately, Indigenous Victorians are more likely to die younger than non- Indigenous Victorians. This is the legacy of a dramatic and traumatic disruption to Indigenous societies that involved the forced dispossession of land, movement from country, relocation to missions, and the removal of children from their families. Indigenous people are impacted more by the Stolen Generations in Victoria than in other states and territories. Today, many families are dealing with intergenerational grief which impacts upon children’s ability to learn at school and to go on to participate fully in the economy. A healthy and secure start to life, and support to learn, work and develop economic independence are keys to breaking the cycle of disadvantage. While this cannot replace the loss experienced by Indigenous people, economic independence brings increased opportunity, choice and the ability to create positive change.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 6 Box 1: Victoria’s Indigenous population at a glance

According to the 2006 Australian Census, there were approximately 33,500 Indigenous people living in Victoria (0.65% of the total population). Australian Demographic Statistics (ABS CAT. no.3101.0) suggest that there are approximately 37,600 Indigenous people in Victoria as of 2011. In 2010-11, the annual growth rate for the Victorian Indigenous population was projected to be around 2.4%. This is in contrast to the growth rate for Victoria as a whole which has averaged around 1.8% since 2005-06. By 2021, the Indigenous population in Victoria is projected to rise 30% to 47,700 people. The Indigenous population is much younger than the non-Indigenous population:

• As of 2011 the estimated median ages for Indigenous and non- Indigenous populations were 22.1 years and 37.1 years respectively.

• According to the 2006 Census, 56% of Indigenous Victorians were under the age of 25 years (compared to 31% of the non-Indigenous population). The life expectancy for Indigenous Australians is much shorter than non- Indigenous Australians:

• The life expectancy for Indigenous men is 67 years versus 79 years for non-Indigenous men.

• The life expectancy for Indigenous women is 73 years versus 83 years for non-Indigenous women.

Continuing the commitment to accountability and transparency

Successive Victorian Governments have reported annually on progress in Indigenous Affairs and we are continuing this commitment. This report focuses on areas of strategic priority including:

• The Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework 2010-2013.

• Key actions announced by the Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Ted Baillieu in March 2011.

• The Council of Australian Governments’ National Indigenous Reform Agreement. It also describes the direction of the Government in the year ahead.This report does not cover all action being taken across the Victorian Government in relation to Indigenous Affairs. Rather it concentrates on areas that will have the greatest impact on breaking the cycle of disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Victorians. The structure and content of the 2010–11 report reflects transition between the current and previous Governments as well as alignment to the national Council of Australian Governments agenda. A revised and strengthened Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework, to be announced in 2012, is likely to result in changes to the format of this report in future years.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 7 The 2010–11 year in review The Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework in 2010–11

Progress against the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework is mixed, but closing the gap is not a short term task that can deliver rapid change. The solutions are long term because change needs to come from all levels of government, and the private, philanthropic and community sectors working closely with individuals, families and communities (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous). Measures to improve outcomes are often interrelated and require joined-up and aligned action, which is challenging across different levels of government and other sectors. The Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework includes a set of Strategic Indicators for which data is tracked. The data for all Strategic Indicators is provided in Appendix 1. Overall, the data indicates that there is still much to be done but in terms of the timeframe and complexity of the task, we are still in the early stages of implementing improvement measures. There have been positive improvements, areas of little change and areas of growing concern. Areas of positive improvement are shown in Table 1. The improvements in early childhood (kindergarten and maternal and child health services participation) are particularly encouraging. Good outcomes in early childhood lay the foundation for future learning and successful and productive lives. The flow-on effect of continued improvement in early childhood outcomes will be seen in educational outcomes in the years ahead.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 8 Table 1: Areas of positive improvement for 2010–11

Indicator Result 1.4: Indigenous 3 and 4 year-old The number of Indigenous 3 and 4 year-old kindergarten participation children enrolled in kindergarten grew from 109 to 343, and 525 to 742 respectively between 2008 and 2011.

1.6: Indigenous children Overall Indigenous participation rates are the attending Maternal and Child highest they have been since 2006 for all Health Services at key age key age stages up to 3.5 years. milestones

2.2: Improved literacy and Year 7 reading, and Year 5 and Year 7 numeracy in Years 3,5,7, and 9 numeracy improved over three consecutive years from 2008 to 2010.

2.3: Improve transition to Year 10 The apparent retention rates for students in Year 7 to 10 improved by 10 percentage points from 2009 to 2010, but is still below the national average.

2.4: Increase completion for Year The number of Year 12 or equivalent 12 or equivalent qualifications completions in the school sector continued to grow to 257 which is the highest number ever.

3.4: Access to traditional lands The total area covered by Indigenous Land Use Agreements increased by 17 per cent from 2009–10.

6.2: Repeat police call outs for The proportion of repeat call outs where Indigenous family violence charges were laid was the same for incidents Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in 2010–11.

6.4: Indigenous young The gap in the proportion of young people aged 10–17 years Indigenous and non-Indigenous people cautioned when processed cautioned by police has continued to by police decrease since 2005–06.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 9 Key actions announced by the Premier in March 2011

On 24 March 2011 the Premier, the Hon. Ted Baillieu, recommitted the Victorian Government to the Closing the Gap agenda. Along with the Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Leader of the Opposition, the Shadow Spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs, Indigenous leaders and others, the Premier signed the Closing the Gap Statement of Intent at Parliament House. In his speech the Premier outlined four guiding principles to inform the Government’s Aboriginal Affairs policy intentions and delivery (refer to Box 2). The Premier highlighted three areas where Victoria is behind the national average for Indigenous Australians and needs to do better. These are:

• Over-representation in the child protection system.

• School retention rates to Year 10.

• Smoking rates.

Box 2: The Premier’s Guiding Principles for Aboriginal Affairs

Aspirations All Victorians should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The Government is committed to closing the gap in health, education and housing outcomes, which underpin the ability and capacity of Indigenous Victorians to build a better future. Accountability Both the Government and funded organisations must be accountable for delivering services that meet the needs of communities. Good policy and program delivery must be based on evidence, and outcomes must be reported. Engagement and Inclusiveness Closing the gap can only be achieved through a partnership built on genuine engagement with Indigenous people and organisations across Victoria. The Government recognises that it is important to listen to both local community voices and the views of Indigenous organisations and their representative bodies. Partnership building and a whole of community approach A renewed commitment for all sectors - government, community, business and philanthropic - to work together in partnership, so that resources and expertise can be most effectively harnessed.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 10 Over-representation in the child protection system

Child protection substantiations for Indigenous children rose in 2010-11. At a rate of 9.4 times higher than for non-Indigenous children, it is unacceptably high. Further data is provided at Strategic Indicator 1.5 in Appendix 1. The Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry, launched by the Premier on 31 January 2011 reported to the Government in early 2012. The Government will carefully consider the findings and recommendations of the report. The Government’s response in relation to vulnerable Indigenous children will be included in the 2011–12 annual report.

School retention rates

In 2010 the apparent retention rate for Indigenous students in Years 7 to 10 was 90.7 per cent compared with 80.4 per cent in the previous year. This is an improvement of over 10 percentage points in the apparent rate, reflecting positively on the work of schools, students, families and communities. The challenge is to retain and build on this improvement. Further information is provided at Strategic Indicator 2.3 in Appendix 1.

Smoking rates

It is clear from all surveys that the Indigenous smoking rate is higher than the non-Indigenous rate and that smoking cessation effort has had limited impact on Indigenous smoking rates to date. One priority under the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes is tackling smoking. The Victorian Government will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth Government and Indigenous communities to help drive improvement. Further information is provided at Strategic Indicator 4.1 in Appendix 1. The Premier also outlined actions important to delivering the Government’s agenda for Indigenous Affairs. These included:

• The development of Departmental Action Plans.

• Strengthening the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework.

• Releasing the Indigenous Affairs annual report. Significant progress has been made in these three areas.

Departmental Action Plans to improve access to services

In March 2011, the Premier directed that all Victorian departments prepare Reconciliation Action or Inclusion Plans that demonstrate how they will improve access to and inclusion in mainstream services for Indigenous Victorians. In the few months since that direction some departments have already made significant progress in developing their plans. Others are building on their Indigenous employment plans under KarreetaYirramboi: the Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Employment and Career Development Action Plan 2010–2015 for the further development of Departmental Action Plans. KarreetaYirramboi: the Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Employment and Career Development Action Plan 2010–2015 provides direction on strategies and actions to meet the Victorian Government’s target (committed under the Council of Australian Governments’ National Partnership on Indigenous Economic Participation) of one per cent of the Victorian public sector being Indigenous by 2015. Ongoing recruitment and retention of Indigenous people into the Victorian public service will need to consider the impacts of changing fiscal circumstances.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 11 The status of progress by Victorian departments as at 30 June 2011 is provided in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Progress of Indigenous Action Plans and Employment Plans

Department Status of plans as at 30 June 2011 Department of • The DBI Aboriginal Employment Plan was at final draft stage as of 30 June 2011 Business and and is on target for its launch in 2011–12. Innovation (DBI) • Work on the DBI Aboriginal Inclusion Action Plan had commenced.

Department of • DEECD developed an Interim Aboriginal Employment Plan in response to Education and Karreeta Yirramboi: Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Employment and Career Early Childhood Development Action Plan 2010–2015. Development (DEECD) • DEECD had made significant progress in developing its first Aboriginal Inclusion Action Plan. A significant range of issues pertinent to Indigenous employment and career development were captured through the plan’s development and these will now be reflected in the DEECD Aboriginal Employment Plan.

Department of • DH responded to Karreeta Yirramboi: Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Health (DH) Employment and Career Development Action Plan 2010–2015 through its Aboriginal Recruitment and Retention Strategy 2010–2013 and the Closing the Health Gap, Aboriginal Health Workforce Plan, June 2013. • DH continued to progress its commitment to an Aboriginal Inclusion Plan through the implementation of key strategies: the Aboriginal Recruitment and Retention Strategy 2010–2013 (in partnership with DHS); and the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2011–12 both in partnership with DHS.

Department of • DHS, in partnership with DH, continued to implement the inaugural DHS and Human Services DH Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2011–12 and the DHS/DH Aboriginal (DHS) Recruitment and Retention Strategy 2012–13. The DHS/DH RAP 2011–12 continues the departments’ commitment to reconciliation.

• The DHS Aboriginal Strategic Framework 2012–14 (currently being finalised) encourages consistency in how the department works in partnership with Aboriginal organisations and clients, as well as identifies priorities and key deliverables to support improved outcomes for Aboriginal people. These commitments form the foundation of DHS commitment to Aboriginal inclusion and its Aboriginal Inclusion Action Plan Statement. Department of • DoJ’s comprehensive Koori Employment Strategy 2011–2015 continued to Justice (DoJ) deliver employment for Indigenous Victorians with an increase from four Indigenous employees in 2000 to 108 (self identified) by June 2011 across both Indigenous-specific and non-Indigenous roles.

• DoJ had commenced preliminary work in the development of its Koori Inclusion Plan. The plan will build on the foundations and the principles of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement and support the delivery of the Koori Employment Strategy 2011–2015. Department of • The implementation of the DPCD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Planning and Employment Strategy, launched in November 2010, continued with a focus Community on learning and development for Indigenous staff and the creation of an active Development employee network. (DPCD) • The development of the DPCD Aboriginal Action Plan had commenced.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 12 Department Status of plans as at 30 June 2011 Department of • DPC is developing an Indigenous employment strategy which includes Premier and recruitment, selection and retention processes to increase Aboriginal participation in the workforce and supports the goal of Karreeta Yirramboi. Preliminary work Cabinet (DPC) has commenced in the establishment of the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy which will foster a workforce that is open to diversity and will raise cultural awareness. This Strategy will support the delivery of the Indigenous Employment Strategy in DPC. • DPC will continue to progress its commitment to the development of an Aboriginal Inclusion Action Plan with implementation anticipated for 2011–12.

Department of • DPI had commenced development of an Aboriginal Employment Plan and Primary Industries with implementation planned for 2011–12. (DPI) • DPI had assessed the requirements in the Aboriginal Inclusion Action Plan guidelines and prepared a final draft of its Aboriginal Action Plan for executive endorsement.

Department of • DSE’s Indigenous Partnership Framework 2007–2010 was reviewed in 2011. Sustainability and Recommendations arising from the review were received in July 2011. They Environment (DSE) are currently being considered and will influence and be factored into the development of the Department’s Action Plan. Department of • DoT had drafted both an Aboriginal Action Plan and an Aboriginal Employment Transport (DoT) Strategy to align with and deliver on the five key areas outlined within Karreeta Yirramboi: Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Employment and Career Development Action Plan 2010–2015. These plans are on target to be launched in August 2011.

Department of • DTF had launched their Indigenous Employment Strategy as part of the wider Treasury and Karreeta Yirramboi: Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Employment and Career Finance (DTF) Development Action Plan 2010–2015. The Strategy includes actions against the five key areas outlined within the Karreeta Yirramboi initiative. • DTF commenced discussions with regards to the requirements for the Department’s Inclusion Action Plan and the application of these within DTF.

Strengthening of the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework

The Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework 2010–13 (VIAF) was first developed in 2006 to provide a long term, whole-of-government, intergenerational strategy aimed at closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians. In March 2011 the Premier committed to strengthening the VIAF. The Secretaries’ Leadership Group on Aboriginal Affairs has commenced the task of reviewing and revising the framework to address shortfalls and improve outcomes in line with the Government’s guiding principles for Aboriginal Affairs (see Box 2). This work will be finalised in 2012 and the revised framework will influence the release of the 2011–12 annual report. The release of the Indigenous Affairs annual report

As stated by the Premier when recommitting to the Closing the Gap agenda the Government will continue to release an annual Indigenous Affairs Report that provides information on performance.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 13 The Council of Australian Governments’ National Indigenous Reform Agreement

Victoria is a party to the National Indigenous Reform Agreement (NIRA) which sets out the nationally agreed policy principles, objectives and performance indicators underpinning Closing the Gap. The six goals incorporated into the NIRA are to:

• Close the life expectancy gap within a generation.

• Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade.

• Ensure all Indigenous four year-olds in remote communities have access to early childhood education within five years.

• Halve the gap for Indigenous students in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade.

• Halve the gap for Indigenous people aged 20-24 in Year 12 attainment or equivalent attainment rates by 2020.

• Halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.

Box 3: COAG Indigenous Specific National Partnerships

There are Indigenous-specific COAG National Partnerships signed by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments relevant to the achievement of the Closing the Gap goals.

• National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes

• National Partnership Agreement on Indigenous Early Childhood Development

• National Partnership Agreement on Indigenous Economic Participation

• National Urban and Regional Service Delivery Strategy for Indigenous Australians

• National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing Implementation responsibility for National Agreements and Partnerships is with relevant departments and agencies. Other major national Agreements have been made in the areas of education and youth transitions, affordable and social housing, workforce development, disability, health and preventative health, homelessness, and early childhood development. These agreements also contribute to closing the gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 14 In February 2011, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) declared that delivery of Indigenous reform was one of five national priorities for governments.While the social and economic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians are significant, Indigenous Victorians experience better outcomes under many measures than is the case for other Indigenous Australians (this is documented in the reports of the COAG Reform Council as well as other national research compilations of outcomes such as the Report on Government Services1). Victoria’s economic and social strengths position us well to close the unacceptable gaps that exist today. In Victoria, the NIRA is delivered through an Overarching Bilateral Indigenous Plan (OBIP). The Plan commits both governments to strive to close the gaps through both delivery of their separate program responsibilities and through better coordination of effort. The OBIP incorporates Victorian Government policy positions (including the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework in its entirety). The NIRA itself does not include financial commitments. These are left to investments made under other COAG National Agreements, where Closing the Gap is a priority and Indigenous specific National Partnerships (see Box 3). These National Partnerships are aligned with or are consistent with Victorian Government priorities. Each of the National Partnerships is on track and significant contributions continue to be made to closing the gaps. An important schedule to the NIRA is the National Urban and Regional Service Delivery Strategy for Indigenous Australians. This Strategy recognises that more than 75 per cent of Australia’s Indigenous population live in urban and regional locations. In Victoria there are no remote communities, with about half of the Indigenous population living in regional Victoria and half in metropolitan Melbourne. The Strategy commits all governments to coordinate and target the funding provided under mainstream and Indigenous specific National Partnerships and Agreements to Indigenous disadvantage in urban and regional locations. The Premier has further directed that all Victorian departments develop action plans to improve access to and inclusion by mainstream services beyond those services funded through National Partnerships and Agreements (see Table 2). One national report to COAG on the NIRA is of particular interest. The 2010 Indigenous Expenditure Report released in 2011 sought to estimate the relative share of all Commonwealth, state, and territory expenditure attributable to Indigenous Australians. Expenditure included targeted Indigenous programs, the cost of the estimated Indigenous share of mainstream services (such as schools) and a pro rata estimation of all other government expenditure areas (such as Defence and Foreign Affairs). This is the first time governments have attempted to attribute government expenditure to any category of Australians. Much of the work reported in the Indigenous Expenditure Report is still largely experimental and needs to be treated with great caution. Victoria’s analysis of the Indigenous Expenditure Report shows that Indigenous Victorians fare poorly in Commonwealth expenditure areas such as housing, employment and economic participation when compared with the Commonwealth attributable expenditure to other Indigenous Australians. Victoria will continue to work with the Commonwealth and encourage it to better balance its expenditure priorities in these areas. This will assist efforts to close the gaps in Victoria.

1 Particularly through its Indigenous Compendium. This is a compilation of data for Indigenous people drawn from the report

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 15 The year ahead in Indigenous Affairs in Victoria

The revised Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework to be released in 2012 will build on existing strengths and tackle areas where government performance can be improved. It will include a stronger approach to accountability and value for money through improved measuring and reporting on progress against clearly identified outcomes. It is critical that programs deliver results for the Indigenous community and that the right information is collected to support design and delivery of effective program and services responses. Closing the gap is a long term commitment as intergenerational change cannot happen over night. There can be a long time between investments and outcomes. Investments in early childhood may not fully be realised until adulthood. This makes it imperative that the right initiatives are in place with leading indicators to measure and guide progress. Improving socio-economic outcomes requires consistent and sustained effort over the ‘life course’. For example, a study in 2008 by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) found that for Indigenous Victorians:

• Decreased smoking by pregnant mothers can add one year to the life of a child.

• Stronger parenting support can reduce child protection rates.

• Indigenous males double their lifetime earnings if they complete Year 12.

• A one year increase in education can reduce mortality by eight per cent.

• Completion of Year 12 reduces the probability that an individual will have been arrested by up to 20 per cent.

• Poor health status is 1.2 times higher for 25 to 34 year-olds and 2.1 times higher for 55 to 64 year- olds who have not completed Year 12. The challenges faced by those experiencing disadvantage are not the same as those who may, for example, already be in employment but have greater aspirations. Hence, a revised framework for Indigenous Affairs will need to take account of the circumstances of the individual at each stage of life. This will require a whole-of-government, whole-of-community and a whole-of-life approach so that every Indigenous Victorian has the opportunity to grow and develop and achieve their aspirations.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 16 An Indigenous economic participation and development strategy for Victoria

Indigenous economic participation and development will be a priority for the Victorian Government approach to Indigenous Affairs because every Victorian should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Having a job and a place in the economy builds self esteem, economic independence, positive role models and contributes to Victoria’s overall competitive advantage. A healthy early childhood, safe community, quality education and training, and good health and wellbeing are critical contributors. Education and employment make a considerable positive contribution over an individual’s lifetime. The 2008 National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling study found that:

• For an Indigenous male aged 15 to19 years, the time likely to be spent in paid employment over the working life increases by over 35 per cent if they complete Year 12. For Indigenous females, the time increases by 120 per cent.

• Indigenous males who do not complete Year 12 would expect to earn less than half of what they would earn over their working life if they completed Year 12 or had a post-school qualification.

• An Indigenous female who leaves school without completing Year 12 would expect to earn only one third of what she would if she completed Year 12 or had a post school qualification.

Figure 2: A whole-of-government approach to closing the gap

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 17 It is clear from a wide range of income, investment and labour force indicators that the gap in economic outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians is significant. This is despite the State’s strong overall economy and the broad range of opportunities available for Victorians to secure employment and have rewarding careers. In 2010, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Indigenous Victorians had an unemployment rate of 16.3 per cent compared with 5.4 per cent for the non-Indigenous population. This disparity is even more evident for the male population, with an Indigenous unemployment rate of 25.4 per cent in 2010 compared to 5.3 per cent for non-Indigenous males. The Victorian Government will develop and implement an Indigenous Economic Participation and Development Strategy aimed at ensuring that Indigenous Victorians are able to take advantage of the economic opportunities available to all Victorians and achieve enhanced economic prosperity. Victoria is well placed to close the gap in outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation because we have a strong economy and a relatively small Indigenous population that is young and growing. The Victorian Government currently invests in a range of Indigenous economic development initiatives and a key challenge for the coming year will be to ensure that initiatives are in place to support entry into the workforce and advancement for those people already in the workforce or in business.

Table 3: Highest qualification level achieved by Indigenous and non-Indigenous status (Victoria)

Indigenous non-Indigenous no. of % of no. of % of people total people total Postgraduate degree or certificate 264 3.3% 180,992 9.6% Bachelor Degree 817 10.4% 498,763 26.3% Advanced diploma and diploma level 847 10.7% 286,508 15.1% Certificate Level III & IV 2,330 29.5% 508,818 26.9% Certificate Level I, II or not stated 639 8.1% 92,561 4.9% Level of education inadequately described 235 3.0% 51,460 2.7% Level of education not stated 2,756 34.9% 275,389 14.5% Total 7,888 100.0% 1,894,491 100.0%

Source: ABS Estimates from the Labour Force Survey 2010

Table 4: Employment by Indigenous and non-Indigenous status (Victoria)

Employment to Unemployment Workforce population ratio rate participation rate Indigenous 55.5 16.3% 66.3% Non-Indigenous 72.5 5.4% 76.6%

Source: ABS Estimates from the Labour Force Survey 2010

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 18 In summary

An Indigenous economic participation and development strategy will complement the revised Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework. It will take into account:

• The need to invest in a life course approach with a particular emphasis on children and young people.

• The different challenges faced by those experiencing disadvantage and those already participating in the economy but wishing to progress their career.

• The Government’s commitment to engaging with Indigenous communities in Victoria.

• The need to align efforts with the Commonwealth Government and other sectors. The strategy will build on:

• Work to date including Moonda Wurrin Gree, the 2010 report of the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Development Group.

• Current investments in education, employment, business, Indigenous tourism, role models and mentoring.

• Current joint economic development initiatives between the State and Commonwealth Governments.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 19 Appendix 1 Progress against the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework Strategic Areas for Action–to be revised in 2012

Strategic Area for Action 1 Improve Maternal and Early Childhood Health and Development Indicator 1.1 Reduce reported smoking in pregnancy by Indigenous mothers Indicator 1.2 Reduce the Indigenous perinatal mortality rate Indicator 1.3 Decrease the percentage of Indigenous babies with birth weight below 2500 grams Indicator 1.4 Increase Indigenous 3 year-old and 4 year-old kindergarten participation Indicator 1.6 Increase the proportion of Indigenous children attending Maternal and Child Health Services at key age milestones

The early years of every child’s life are critically important and lay the foundation for their future health, growth and development. Research shows that cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional competencies are interdependent and shaped by experiences and relationships during the early years. As children grow older and their brains are less adaptable, it becomes more difficult to change their developmental trajectories. Investment in the early years is cost-effective, yielding long-term benefits and economic returns far in excess of initial investments. Indigenous children are more likely to be vulnerable than any other group of children in Australia. To reduce the gap in developmental outcomes, the Council of Australian Governments has set targets to halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under the age of five years within a decade, and to ensure that all Indigenous 4 year-olds have access to quality early childhood education (within five years). In Victoria, work is continuing to provide Indigenous children with the best possible start to life by improving access to maternity services, improving attendance at Maternal and Child Health Services, providing free kindergarten for 3 and 4 year-old Indigenous children, developing Aboriginal Best Start sites and supported playgroups, and providing support in the home for parents of pre-school aged children. During 2010–11, the number of Indigenous 3 and 4 year-olds participating in Victorian kindergartens continued to grow and the participation rates for Indigenous children attending Victorian Maternal and Child Health Services were the highest they have been since 2006 for all key age stages up to and including eight months. Joint initiatives with key partners are being undertaken that focus on universal, early intervention and secondary service system responses to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous children in the child protection system and to better meet the needs of vulnerable children and families. These initiatives are based on recognising the importance of connection to culture. Key partners of the Victorian Government in this area include the Municipal Association of Victoria, local councils, the Commonwealth Government, community service organisations, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd, Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health organisations.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 20 Indicator 1.1 Reduce reported smoking in pregnancy by Indigenous mothers

In 2010–11, the percentage of Indigenous women admitted to hospital from one month prior to delivery who were current smokers decreased from 40 per cent in 2007–08 to 39 per cent in 2008–09 and 37 per cent in 2009–10. Table 1.1: Percentage of women admitted to hospital from one month prior to delivery who were current smokers2,3

2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 Indigenous women 39 31 38 40 39 37 Non-Indigenous women 10 9 9 8 8 7

The relatively small number of Indigenous mothers means that there will be some volatility on a year to year basis. However the trend over the past six years shows a small decrease in the percentage of Indigenous mothers who smoke, although there has been a greater decrease in the percentage of non- Indigenous mothers who smoke. The overall smoking rate for Indigenous mothers is heavily influenced by the much higher percentage of teenage mothers, who are more likely to smoke than older mothers. With this in mind, future activity under the Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes National Partnership Agreement will target pregnant women, their families and support networks in the future. It should be noted that Victoria has a lower percentage of Indigenous mothers who smoke in pregnancy than the national average. A woman who smokes before or while pregnant increases the risk of experiencing a wide range of problems including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and premature labour. Women who smoke are up to three times more likely to give birth to a low birth weight baby compared to non-smokers. Low birth weight babies are more vulnerable to infection and other health problems, such as breathing difficulties4. There is a growing body of evidence of the connection between smoking in pregnancy and the development of chronic health conditions over the baby’s lifetime. The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation undertook a three-year action research project (Goreen Narrkwarren Ngrn-toura–Healthy Family Air) to reduce the prevalence of smoking among pregnant Indigenous women. A literature review undertaken to inform the project supported project initiatives around training, organisational development and community development. The project involves working with three sites to develop interventions around smoking cessation. Action in 2010–11 included:

• Training for health workers to support pregnant women to quit smoking.

• Creating environments within health services and communities to support women to quit smoking before and during pregnancy, by working towards smoke-free Indigenous health service providers.

• Mobilising community support for smoking cessation during pregnancy. The project ended in 2011 and has been instrumental in providing the evidence base for future action and in raising the issue of tobacco use in the Indigenous health service providers targeted by the project.

2 There is currently no reliable data available for reported alcohol use in pregnancy. Targets to reduce alcohol use in pregnancy will be developed when reliable data becomes available. 3 This data relates to smoking in pregnancy by Indigenous mothers. Non-Indigenous mothers whose babies are Indigenous are included with non-Indigenous mothers. 4 Source: Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset, based on recorded Indigenous status of mother, use of tobacco. In 2009 the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection began collecting data on tobacco use in pregnancy by all mothers.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 21 Indicator 1.2 Reduce the Indigenous perinatal mortality rate

Data for 2009 and 2010 is currently under revision and not yet available for publication. Perinatal mortality includes stillbirths and deaths of liveborn infants less than 28 days. Because of the very small number of perinatal deaths each year, rates can vary significantly. However, the Indigenous rate remains consistently higher than the non-Indigenous rate. In 2008 the perinatal mortality rate for babies of Indigenous mothers was 17.9 per 1000 births, more than twice the rate for babies of non-Indigenous mothers (7.9 per 1000).

Table 1.2: Perinatal mortality (rate per thousand births)

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Babies of Indigenous mothers 16.1 13.3 14.1 14.3 17.9 Babies of non-Indigenous 7.9 8.2 7.9 8.0 7.9 mothers

Note: The perinatal mortality rate includes stillbirths and deaths of liveborn babies at less than 28 days. Data sourced from the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection. Almost all perinatal deaths are due to factors during pregnancy and childbirth. Perinatal mortality reflects the health status and health care of the general population, access to and quality of preconception, reproductive, antenatal and obstetric services for women, and health care in the neonatal period. Broader social factors such as maternal education, nutrition, smoking, alcohol use in pregnancy, and socio-economic disadvantage are also significant5. The Victorian Government continues to take action through the Koori Maternity Strategy to:

• Increase access to culturally inclusive care in the early stages of pregnancy through to the postnatal period via 11 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, nine in regional Victoria and two in the metropolitan area.

• Employ Indigenous Health Workers and midwives to increase access to antenatal care, postnatal support and hospital liaison for births, which are essential to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for Indigenous mothers and babies (Koori Maternity Services).

• Increase Indigenous women’s knowledge, participation and satisfaction with their antenatal and postnatal care.

• Expand Koori Maternity Services, particularly where there is significant growth in the Indigenous population.

• Increase the skills of the Indigenous maternity workforce and expanding the number of Aboriginal Health Workers and midwives. In 2010–11, planned expansion of Koori Maternity Services at Swan Hill was implemented to provide clinical and midwifery services. Planning was undertaken in 2010–11 to expand Koori Maternity Services in Wodonga and to establish a new service in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Importantly, a review of the Koori Maternity Services program commenced in 2010–11 to determine the extent to which the current model addresses the intended outcomes and to identify the features of effective maternity services to Indigenous women in Victoria.

5 Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council, 2011, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework Report 2010, AHMAC, Canberra. Indicator 1.20

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 22 Indicator 1.3 Decrease the percentage of Indigenous babies with birth weight below 2500 grams

Data for 2009 and 2010 is currently under revision and not yet available for publication. In 2008 14.2 per cent of babies born to Indigenous mothers were of low birth weight, compared to 6.0 per cent of babies of non-Indigenous mothers. That is, the rate of low birth weight Indigenous babies was consistently more than twice the rate for non-Indigenous babies. Table 1.3: Babies with birth weight below 2500 grams, by Indigenous status of mother (%)

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Babies of Indigenous mothers 16.2 13.4 13.1 12.0 14.2 Babies of non-Indigenous 6.2 6.3 6.3 6.2 6.0 mothers

Note: Figures have been revised to exclude stillbirths, and terminations of pregnancy for psychosocial indications and congenital abnormalities. Figures will thus be slightly lower when compared to 2009–10 Report. Data sourced from the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection. Birth weight is an indicator of the general health of a newborn baby and a key determinant of infant survival, health and development. Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of neonatal death and various diseases in later life, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The length of pregnancy and the growth rate of the baby during pregnancy affect the weight of the baby at birth. The Victorian Government is taking action through Koori Maternity Services offered through 11 Indigenous health service providers across Victoria, with the aim of providing culturally appropriate maternity care to Indigenous women. Koori Maternity Services aim to increase participation in antenatal care and facilitate the relationship of women with the birth hospital, thereby contributing to early identification of risk factors and reductions in the numbers of babies with low birth weights. Activities undertaken in 2010–11 include:

• A focus on health promotion strategies to effectively convey maternity care messages and engage the community in accessing maternity care early and consistently during pregnancy.

• Raising awareness of Koori Maternity Services and the needs/optimal care of pregnant Indigenous women in mainstream health services.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 23 Indicator 1.4 Increase Indigenous 3 and 4 year-old kindergarten participation

The number of both 3 year-old and 4 year-old Indigenous children enrolled in and attending kindergarten has been increasing over the past few years. In 2011 the number of 3 year-olds enrolled in a funded kindergarten program was 343, while the same figure in 2011 for 4 year-olds was 742. Table 1.4.1: Indigenous 3 year-old kindergarten enrolment

2008 2009 2010 2011 Number of Indigenous 3 109 238 262 343 year-old children enrolled in a funded kindergarten program Participation rate 13% 27.7% 30.9% 39.2% (Experimental Estimate)

Note: The Early Start Initiative providing free kindergarten for Indigenous 3 year-olds commenced in 2008–09 so data is only available from this point. 3 year-old data for 2011 is at 30 December 2011. The denominator for participation rates is based on ABS experimental projections of the Indigenous population including young children from 2006 to 2021. Table 1.4.2: Indigenous 4 year-old kindergarten enrolment

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Number of Indigenous 4 year-old 465 529 504 525 579 7316 7427 children Victorianenrolled inkindergarten a funded kindergarten participation rate 92.7 91.4 91.8 92.4 92.7 95.1 94.6 Indigenous kindergarten participation 66.4 65.4 59.0 62.0 67.2 72.8 Not rate available at time of reporting Gap in percentage points between 26.3 26 32.8 30.4 25.5 22.3 Not Indigenous and non-Indigenous available 4 year-old children enrolled in funded at time of kindergarten programs reporting

Note: The methodology calculates participation rates as the number of Indigenous children enrolled in funded kindergarten in the year before school (4 year-olds) as a proportion of the number of Indigenous children in the population. The state wide number of Indigenous children enrolled in Prep the following year is used as a proxy for the number of Indigenous children in the population, as there is no annual estimate of this cohort currently available. The gap is the difference between the kindergarten participation rate and Indigenous participation rate. The difference is expressed as percentage points.

The 2011 Indigenous participation rate cannot be calculated until early 2013.

6 From Confirmed Kindergarten Data Collection undertaken in April 2010, reported as at 30 June 2010. 7 Confirmed number of funded enrolments as recorded in the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s CHISOL system as at September 2011

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 24 Figure 1.4: Number of 4 year-old Indigenous children enrolled in funded kindergarten in the year before school

Attending quality early education and care has been shown to enhance intellectual, social and behavioural development in children and is associated with increased levels of school completion8. Disadvantaged children can significantly benefit from high quality early education and care, offering them a better start to school9. Action taken in 2010–11 includes:

• Increasing the number of hours of free access to a kindergarten program for Indigenous three and four year-old children from 2-3 hours for 3 year-olds to 10.75 hours for 3 and 4 year-olds.

• Continuation of the construction of two Aboriginal Children and Family Centres in Whittlesea and Bairnsdale, with Whittlesea due to commence operation in November 2011 and Bairnsdale in July 2012.

• The provision of professional development to Koorie Engagement Support Officers on early childhood development and key early childhood initiatives, with a particular focus on increasing 3 and 4 year-old kindergarten participation.

8 Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2009, Productivity Commission, Canberra, page 425. 9 The State of Victoria’s Children 2009, Section 8, page 218.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 25 Indicator 1.5 Reduce the rate of Indigenous child protection substantiations

In 2010–11, the rate of Indigenous child protection substantiations of notifications received per 1000 children aged 0-17 was 50.410. A child protection substantiation is the determination that a child or young person is ‘in need of protection’, following a period of investigation and information arising through that investigation. Child protection substantiation for Indigenous children rose last year and is unacceptably high at a rate of 9.4 times higher than for non-Indigenous children. Table 1.511: Rate per 1000 children aged 0-17 years in substantiations of notifications by Indigenous status

2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 (a) 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 (b) 2010–11 Indigenous 63.3 67.7 56.6 55 48.3 46.9 50.4 Non-Indigenous 5.8 6 5.3 4.9 4.8 4.7 5.4 All children 6.4 6.7 5.9 5.5 5.4 5.2 5.9

Note: Table 1.5 is broken to indicate changes to reporting methodology in 2006–07 and in 2009–10. These changes are detailed as follows: (a) Due to new service and data reporting arrangements the Victorian child protection data for 2006–07 may not be fully comparable with previous year’s data.

(b) Prior to 2009–10, rates of substantiations were calculated as the number of children aged 0-16 years in substantiations divided by the ABS estimated population of children aged 0-16 years at 31 December, multiplied by 1000. For Indigenous children, the ABS June population projections for two years were averaged to obtain a population figure for December of the relevant year. For 2009–10 onwards rates of substantiations are calculated as the number of children in substantiations aged 0- 17 years divided by the ABS estimated population of children aged 0-17 years at 31 December, multiplied by 1000. All children should have the best possible start in life to thrive, learn and grow, be valued and respected, reach their full potential and participate in society. To do this we need to protect children from harm, protect their rights and promote their development in culturally and age appropriate ways. Reducing the rate of substantiations can be achieved by strengthening and supporting Indigenous families. Child abuse and neglect can be prevented by addressing disadvantage, recognising and promoting family, community and cultural strengths that protect children, and developing community- wide strategies to address specific risk factors. Universal, specialist and targeted assistance is available to support Indigenous families including Maternal and Child Health Services, Koori Maternity Services, Best Start including Aboriginal Best Start, In Home Support for Aboriginal Families and Home Based Learning. These services support families to build and maintain safe and nurturing family environments and to develop their parenting capacity. Victoria supports culturally appropriate child protection responses to Indigenous children and their families. These are referred to in the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005. This includes the legal requirement for every Indigenous child in out of home care on a guardianship order to have a cultural support plan.

10 Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Child Protection Report 2012 11 Source: Report on Government Services 2011

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 26 Victoria has invested in a range of Indigenous child and family services and initiatives to strengthen families, prevent ongoing child protection intervention, and reunify families after child protection intervention. They include:

• Aboriginal Family Preservation.

• Aboriginal Family Restoration and Integrated Family Services. A piloting at three sites of the Aboriginal Family Coaching Victoria program which works intensively with Indigenous families to prevent a child or young person being placed away from their home. Work continues to implement Section 18 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 that allows for the Secretary to authorise the principal officer of an Aboriginal organisation to perform functions and powers in relation to a protection order in respect of an Indigenous child. The Government is working with a small number of Aboriginal organisations to guide the policy development and capacity building work required to implement section 18. Initiatives announced in the 2011-12 State Budget provide increased supports for vulnerable Indigenous families and children. They include:

• Health and Education Assessments for all children entering residential care. Aboriginal Leaving Care.

• Aboriginal Leaving Care.

• Therapeutic Care.

• Strengthening Aboriginal Organisations. Further improvements to the protection and support of vulnerable young Victorians are anticipated from the Government’s response to the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry launched by The Hon. Ted Baillieu, Premier of Victoria on 31 January 2011.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 27 Indicator 1.6 Increase the proportion of Indigenous children attending Maternal and Child Health Services at key age milestones

In 2010–11, the percentage of Indigenous children accessing the Maternal and Child Health Service at key ‘age and stage’ consultations was lower than for non-Indigenous children. However, there are some positive trends emerging as the gap in participation rates between Indigenous children and all children for visits at all consultations had decreased since 2006–07. Table 1.6: Maternal and Child Health Services participation gap between Indigenous and all children at key age and stage visits (percentage points)

Consultation 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 Home visit 9.8 7.6 9.2 5.5 0.5 2 weeks 15.1 9.7 13.2 10.0 2.8 4 weeks 17.1 15.2 16.7 13.4 9.6 8 weeks 17.1 17.7 17.5 12.1 13.3 4 months 22.1 20.3 21.4 12.2 14.3 8 months 25.2 23.8 25.2 12.2 19.3 12 months 24.0 31.2 21.9 23.2 20.0 18 months 24.0 31.5 22.0 24.0 18.6 2 years 20.7 22.1 20.2 24.3 19.2 3.5 years 20.4 19.8 18.7 19.3 17.5

Figure 1.6 illustrates that participation rates in Maternal and Child Health Services in 2010–11 was generally the highest since 2006 for all ten key ages and stages consultations.

Figure 1.6: Proportion of Indigenous children attending Maternal and Child Health Services at key age milestones, 2006–201112

Increased participation in Maternal and Child Health Services improves health and wellbeing outcomes

12 Source: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Annual Report and Data Collection. Participation is calculated on children enrolled in the Maternal and Child Health Service and not as a proportion of the overall population. Universal participation (All) includes Indigenous children in the calculation of participation. All data is reported as financial year and the gap is reported as the difference in percentage points. Labelled percentages in Figure 1.6 are for 2006–07 to 2010–11. Data publicly available at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/ecsmanagement/matchildhealth/annualdata/archive.htm

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 28 through increased parenting support and early identification of child health and development issues. Active participation in programs such as Maternal and Child Health Services can foster positive learning and development and lessen or eliminate the effects of disadvantage before they become entrenched. Maternal and Child Health Services continue to provide outreach services to Aboriginal Cooperatives and Aboriginal Health Services in 16 municipalities. The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service receives additional funding to provide Maternal and Child Health Services. This has enabled improved access to and linkages between Maternal and Child Health Services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Koori Maternity Services and increased participation in Maternal and Child Health Services for Indigenous children and their families. Participation in the Maternal and Child Health Service is further promoted through targeted Indigenous programs, including the Koori Maternity Services program, the In Home Support program and the Home Based Learning program. Many Best Start sites have prioritised an ‘increase in participation in the Maternal and Child Health Service’ as one of their indicators in their action plans. All partnerships are required to give priority to engagement with Indigenous communities and organisations in their area. Supported playgroups in 26 municipalities have also become an effective way of supporting priority target population groups to access services, including Indigenous children and their families. In 2010–11 the Victorian Government provided funding to the Victorian Multicultural Commission for the provision of cultural competence training to 450 Maternal and Child Health nurses across the State. Nurses were provided with a framework to provide culturally competent care for Indigenous and culturally diverse families.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 29 Strategic Area for Action 2 Improve education outcomes

Indicator 2.1 Improve school attendance rates for Indigenous students Indicator 2.2 Improve literacy and numeracy in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 for Indigenous students Indicator 2.3 Improve transition to Year 10 for Indigenous students Indicator 2.4 Increase completion of Year 12 or equivalent qualifications for Indigenous students

Good outcomes in early childhood and obtaining a high-quality school education lead to increased choice and greater economic opportunity throughout peoples’ lives. Improved educational outcomes are also linked to a range of social benefits, including better living conditions, better nutrition, lower rates of imprisonment, and a longer and healthier life. Therefore a high-quality education is particularly vital in breaking the cycle of disadvantage and enabling people to lead healthy and prosperous lives. When Indigenous children start school many are often behind non-Indigenous children, highlighting the importance of ensuring that children are ready for school through participation in high quality kindergarten, and that services are in place to support a smooth transition into school. Year 10 is a particularly crucial period as students start planning their career pathways. There is strong evidence that students who complete Year 12 are more likely to undertake further education and training, and in turn have wider and better career opportunities. However senior school retention rates for Indigenous students are significantly lower than for non-Indigenous students. For instance current Year 10 to 12 retention rates for Indigenous students and non-Indigenous students are about 51 per cent and 81 per cent respectively. To reduce the gap in educational outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and young people, the Council of Australian Governments has set targets to halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade. Improvements in these areas will in turn support better transition to Year 10 and improve Year 12 or equivalent attainment. The Victorian Government continues to work with the Commonwealth Government, the vocational, education and training (VET) sector, adult community education (ACE) providers, universities, the Clontarf Foundation, and Indigenous employment agencies to increase education participation, improve attainment levels, and foster successful transitions from education and training to further education and employment. The Indigenous community and Indigenous families are critical partners in improving education outcomes. Through 2010–11, the Victorian Government has continued working with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI), Indigenous parents, and the community to implement Wannik13. Wannik is a comprehensive and holistic strategy to deliver improved educational outcomes for Indigenous students at all levels of the school system. Over the last three years there was evidence of improvement in some current Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework measures of literacy and numeracy. However in most cases there was no clear trend. There was an improvement over ten percentage points in the apparent retention rate to Year 10 and the number of students completing Year 12 or equivalent continued to rise. Of concern is that Indigenous students continued to be away from school more often than their peers.

13 Wannik, from the Gunai/Kurnai language meaning ‘Learning Together–Journey to Our Future’, is the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s (DEECD) education strategy for Indigenous students in Victoria.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 30 Indicator 2.1 Improve school attendance rates for Indigenous students

In 2010, the gap in attendance for Years Prep to 6 was 5.4 percentage points and for Years 7 to 10, 8.6 percentage points. The gap for both cohorts has decreased since 2006 but has fluctuated each year making it difficult to be confident of an improvement trajectory. Table 2.1: Attendance gaps in government schools between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students14

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Gap in percentage points for 5.8 5.8 5.6 5.3 5.4 Prep to Year 6 between Indigenous and non- Indigenous students Gap in percentage points for 9.5 8.7 8.2 9.2 8.6 Years 7-10 between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students

Figure 2.1.1: Average attendance rate for primary school students in government schools

Figure 2.1.2: Average attendance rate for secondary school students in government schools, Year 7 to Year 10

14 The attendance rate data for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in Victorian Government schools relates only to those schools that reported at least one Indigenous enrolment. Average attendance rates are based on complete-year data, and consequently may differ from that reported previously.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 31 Non-attendance has been highlighted as one factor that accounts for poor educational attainment among Indigenous children15. Patterns of attendance and non attendance are established early in primary school and it may be more difficult to turn around non-attendance in secondary school. Improving attendance needs to be a priority for all schools and the Indigenous community. The reforms in school education for Indigenous students which commenced in 2008 include a number of actions targeted at improving student engagement and, in turn, improving attendance rates. In 2010–11, these initiatives included:

• The continued operation of effective engagement programs such as the Clontarf Academies in Mildura, Swan Hill, Robinvale, Bairnsdale and Warrnambool; and three Dance Academies in Mooroopna, Ballarat and Eaglehawk.

• The continued implementation of the Victorian Careers Curriculum Framework which provides a scaffold for a career education program for all young people from Years 7 to 12 and for young learners in the ACE and TAFE sectors, including Indigenous young people.

• Expanding the Managed Individual Pathways Initiative into Years 8 and 9 to support early intervention and retention for Indigenous students at risk of disengaging from school.

• Reforming the Koorie Education Workforce, with Koorie Engagement Support Officers employed in all regions focused on engagement with families, communities and schools. The workforce numbers increased by 27 positions and over 50 per cent of the existing workforce were successful in promoting to a higher classification level.

• Providing professional learning in Project Management to support the Koorie Education Workforce when undertaking place-based projects, including regional projects focused on Indigenous student attendance.

• Meeting all tuition and living costs for Indigenous students attending the School for Student Leadership, a co-educational, residential Year 9 leadership school.

Box 2.1 Wannik Dance Academies

Wannik Dance Academies aim to provide an educational program based around dance for Years 7 to 10 Indigenous female students. Opening in 2010, the Wannik Dance Academies are located at Ballarat, Eaglehawk and Mooroopna Secondary Colleges and offer a specific dance program aligned to the regular school curriculum. The Academies provide an educational program that is engaging, develops literacy and numeracy skills, and provides opportunities for mentoring and developing transition pathways. In 2011 there were 55 students enrolled across three dance Academies and the overall school attendance rate for academy students was 85 per cent. Two of the Academies had attendance rates of 89 per cent or higher. All of the academies had attendance rates that are at least 12 per cent better than the overall rate for Indigenous students at the schools in which they are located. 80 per cent of the students in the academies have shown an improvement in literacy, and a further 16 per cent maintained their standard. In numeracy, 81 per cent of students improved and 13 per cent of these maintained their standard.

15 Zubrick SR, Silburn SR, De Maio JA, Shepherd C, Griffin JA, Dalby RB, Mitrou FG, Lawrence DM, Hayward C, Pearson G, Milroy H, Milroy J, Cox A 2006. The Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey: Improving the Educational Experiences of Aboriginal Children and Young People, Perth, Curtin University of Technology and Telethon Institute for Child Health Research

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 32 Indicator 2.2 Improve literacy and numeracy in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 for Indigenous students

Over the past three years there was evidence of improvement in some measures of literacy and numeracy particularly in the proportion of Indigenous students in the lower bands for Year 3 literacy and Year 5 numeracy. This is shown in Tables 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 below. Progress is similarly evident against targets agreed in the National Indigenous Reform Agreement, which is focussed on the proportion of students achieving minimum benchmarks in literacy and numeracy16. On measures focused on the numbers of students in the top two bands, presented in Table 2.2.2, there is little evidence of any change which could be reflecting the small numbers of students and hence volatility in the data from year to year17. Table 2.2.1: Year 3 reading — percentage of students in NAPLAN bands 1 and 218

2008 2009 2010 Indigenous: % in bands 1 & 2 28.1 24.3 24.3 Non-Indigenous: % in bands 1 & 2 9.9 8.9 8.0 Apparent gap (percentage points) 18.2 15.4 16.3

Table 2.2.2: Year 5 numeracy — percentage of students in NAPLAN band 4 or below 19

2008 2009 2010 Indigenous: % in bands 4 or below 40.8 31.4 29.9 Non-Indigenous: % in band 4 or below 16.2 12.4 11.1 Apparent gap (percentage points) 24.619 18.8

16 Trajectory targets were met in 11 of the 12 NAPLAN literacy and numeracy areas (Years 3, 5, 7, 9 COAG Reform Council 2011). See National Indigenous Reform Agreement: Supplement on literacy and numeracy achievement 2010, COAG Reform Council, Sydney. 17 The most recent data for indicator 2.2 is from the May 2010 NAPLAN, which reports the results of students in national literacy and numeracy. Data are disaggregated by sex, Indigenous status, LBOTE, geographic location and are also reported against a range of student background data derived from parent occupation and education. Data for disaggregations below the full cohort are subject to measurement error which must be taken in to account when viewing results. These errors are relatively large for the Victorian Indigenous cohort, and are particularly relevant when making any attempt to quantify changes in proportions of students achieving at particular band levels. Details are provided in footnotes to individual tables. 18 Because of the statistical uncertainly and volatility of these data at the required level of disaggregation, the percentage of students in the relevant bands needs to be considered as a range. For ease of reporting, the midpoint of the confidence interval is being used, however error of up to 4.0 percentage points applies to the Indigenous data. This means that the percentage of Indigenous students in the relevant performance bands could be up to 4.0 percentage points larger or smaller than reported. 19 Because of the statistical uncertainly and volatility of these data at the required level of disaggregation, the percentage of students in the relevant bands needs to be considered as a range. For ease of reporting, the midpoint of the confidence interval is being used, however error of up to 5.0 percentage points applies to the Indigenous data. This means that the percentage of Indigenous students in the relevant performance bands could be up to 5.0 percentage points larger or smaller than reported.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 33 Table 2.2.3: Reading and numeracy — percentage of Indigenous students in the top two NAPLAN bands (bands 5 and 6)20

2008 2009 2010 Year 3 Reading 23.1 23.5 22.5 Year 5 Reading 12.8 14.5 12.7 Year 7 Reading 5.5 7.6 10.2 Year 3 Numeracy 21.0 17.7 14.2 Year 5 Numeracy 7.1 8.4 11.4 Year 7 Numeracy 6.6 6.7 7.8 Year 9 Reading 4.4 5.0 3.3 Year 9 Numeracy 4.3 5.1 5.1

Robust literacy and numeracy performance is the foundation for success in school and further educational pathways and employment. The Victorian Government is taking a range of action in partnership with the Commonwealth Government and the non-government school sector. To support improved literacy and numeracy for Indigenous students in Years 2 to 10, an Indigenous tutorial program was established in 2010 and has continued in 2011. Assistance is given to all Indigenous students who are not performing at the expected standard in English or Maths. With support from the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc (VAEAI), an online tool called the Koorie Education Learning Plan was developed in the Northern Metropolitan Region. Assistance is being given to all regions to support schools to adopt the tool in 2011 to strengthen the development of Individual Education Plans for Indigenous students. The Council of Australian Governments Smarter Schools National Partnerships incorporate Low Social Economic Schools, Literacy and Numeracy and Teacher Quality–with clear targets to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for Indigenous students. Focus schools under this National Partnership are required to follow the directions set by the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat including:

• Working with regions and networks to develop student literacy and numeracy achievement targets and to support the development of detailed plans to meet those targets.

• Building on an emergent culture where the literacy and numeracy performance of individual students is continuously monitored and evidence-based strategies are implemented to support improvement in their literacy and numeracy outcomes.

• Identifying strategies that best meet the literacy and numeracy needs of students from Indigenous and English as a Second Language backgrounds.

20 Because of the statistical uncertainly and volatility of these data at the required level of disaggregation, the percentage of students in the relevant performance bands needs to be considered as a range. For ease of reporting, the midpoint of the confidence interval is being used, however error of up or in some cases in excess of 4.0 percentage points applies to the Indigenous data. This means that the percentage of Indigenous students in the relevant performance bands could be up to 4-5.0 percentage points larger or smaller than reported.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 34 Box 2.2: Initiatives with the Catholic and independent sectors

Intensive literacy and numeracy initiatives have been developed with Catholic and Independent sectors under the Closing the Gap initiative, as follows:

• The Technology Enriched Curriculum Project–Digital Literacy (TECP) is a place-based, cross-sectoral project across 14 schools in the outer eastern region of Melbourne and regional areas of Echuca and Ballarat, involving government, independent and Catholic schools. The focus of the project and associated research is the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) with Years 5 to Year 8 Indigenous students to significantly improve literacy outcomes and student engagement with learning.

• The Expanded Central Gippsland Koorie Literacy Project is a cross sectoral project across selected government, independent and Catholic schools in Victoria. This project is an extension of a place- based application of Reading Recovery practices currently being utilised in Central Gippsland. The target area for this intervention is the Gippsland area and Mildura. The aim of the project is to improve the outcomes of targeted Indigenous students in Years 3, 5 and 7 who are at risk of not achieving reading outcomes.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 35 Indicator 2.3: Improve transition to Year 10 for Indigenous students

In 2010, the apparent retention rate for Indigenous students in Year 7 to 10 was 90.7 per cent compared with 80.4 per cent in the previous year. This is an improvement of over 10 percentage points in the apparent rate, reflecting positively on the work of schools, students, families and communities. The challenge is to retain and build on this improvement. Table 2.3.1: Apparent retention rates21 for students in Year 7 to 10, by Indigenous status22

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Indigenous students 81.2 91.1 88.3 81.7 80.4 90.7 Non-Indigenous students 98.1 98.3 98.8 99.0 100.2 101.3

Staying on and completing school is important for all young people, as leaving school early can have a negative impact on employment opportunities, increase dependence on welfare, and negatively influence health. During 2010–11, programs to improve transition to Year 10 for Indigenous students continued. These included:

• Managed Individual Pathways and Individual Education Plans for Indigenous students.

• Including a focus on Indigenous outcomes in the contracts of School Focused Youth Services and Local Learning and Employment Networks. In 2010–11, these programs were further supplemented by the introduction of eight Regional Koorie Transition Officers and nine Regional Careers Development Officers. The eight Regional Koorie Transition Officers have been employed through the Council of Australian Governments’ National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions. Their role is to:

• Increase engagement, retention and attainment levels of Indigenous young people in Victoria across all schooling sectors.

• Support Indigenous young people to grow their aspirations to succeed at school.

• Support Indigenous young people to develop strong post-school pathways. The nine Regional Career Development Officers support all education and training providers (in schools, ACE and TAFE) to implement the Victorian Careers Curriculum Framework, drive system improvement and increase the capacity of careers practitioners to deliver improved career development services to young people, with a particular focus on Indigenous young people. The Victorian Careers Curriculum Framework provides an online career education program for all young people from Years 7–12 and for young people in the ACE and TAFE sectors. It has additional guidelines and customised Career Action Plans for four targeted cohorts, including for Indigenous young people. The Framework has been developed under the National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions, a joint initiative of the Commonwealth and state and territory governments. It is available on www.education.vic.gov.au/careersframework

21 The apparent rate of retention is defined as the number of full-time school students in a designated level/year of education as a percentage of their respective cohort group, which is at the commencement of their secondary schooling at Year 7 22 Source: ABS Schools, Australia (cat. no. 4221.0

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 36 Box 2.3: The Workplace Learning Coordinator program

The Workplace Learning Coordinator program continued in 2010–11. One of the key performance indicators this program is the demonstration of increased workplace learning opportunities for Indigenous young people. The program seeks to:

• Increase the numbers of students undertaking workplace learning placements in places of employment, especially in industries that provide strong vocational outcomes for students.

• Increase the alignment between VET provision in schools and local industry needs.

• Increase the number of Indigenous students undertaking workplace learning placements.

• Generate and identify new workplace learning placements.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 37 Indicator 2.4 Increase completion for Year 12 or equivalent qualifications for Indigenous students

In Victoria, students can complete Year 12 or equivalent in either schools or in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. The VET sector includes TAFEs, adult community education providers and private providers. A significant proportion of Indigenous young people undertake education within VET, sometimes while still attending school for part of their studies. For additional information on VET participation, refer to Indicator 3.1 Increase the successful transition of Indigenous young people aged 18-24 years to employment and/or further education. In 2010, the total number of Indigenous people who completed Year 12 or equivalent was 31723. Of these:

• 257 completed Year 12 or equivalent in the school sector as part of their senior secondary program.

• 134 were VET students up to the age of 19 who completed Year 12 or equivalent.

Figure 2.424: Number of Indigenous students who completed Year 12 or equivalent in the school sector in 2010

The 2010 result matched the 2009 result consolidating the improvement achieved in that year. Year 12 or equivalent completions come at the end of over a decade of schooling and Indigenous Victorians completing or not completing year 12 or equivalent reflect previous approaches to education. Indigenous children entering primary school now after kindergarten are better placed than the current generation of 17 and 18 year-olds and completion rates can be expected to continue to climb, narrowing the present gaps over the coming decade. In 2010–11, the Victorian Government undertook a range of initiatives aimed at improving the Year 12 or equivalent completion rate. These included:

• Continuing the provision of Wannik Indigenous Education Scholarships (63 scholarships have been awarded since 2009) to support high achieving Indigenous students who are in Year 11 in Victorian Government schools and who intend to complete VCE or equivalent.

23 The VCAA and Skills Victoria data provided contain a limited number of duplications across sources. Certificate completions include all certificates attained in the VET sector (TAFEs, Adult Community Education Providers and private providers). This includes VET Certificates at Level II and above, as well as VET in School, VCE and VCAL certificates reported in the VET sector. Duplications have not been removed. 24 Source: VCAA APS database as at 01/09/2011. Note: These figures include all certificates attained within the Schools Sector, which are largely VCE certificates. Certificate completion of VCAL at Intermediate or Senior level and VET certificates attained in the Schools Sector, that is VET in Schools Certificates (regardless of level) are also included. The figure does not include certificates attained in the non-school (VET) Sector. The figures include all Indigenous students who attained a certificate in the schools sector in a given year. Year 12 or equivalent attainment is usually reported for specific age groups, including at age 19 and 20–24.The figures have not been checked for duplicate records. When calculating Year 12 or equivalent attainment, all certificates should be distinct or unique. That is, a student certificate should be excluded from the count if this student has previously received a Year 12 or equivalent certificate, either in previous years or in the same year.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 38 • Continuing the Indigenous Senior Tutorial Program which provides all Indigenous students in Year 11 and Year 12 in Victorian Government schools with funding to contract tutorial support to supplement mainstream teaching resources.

• Continuation of various initiatives under the National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions to increase participation of young people in education and training, increase attainment levels and improve successful transitions from school (refer to Box 2.4.1);

• Implementing the Koorie Transition Officers initiative through the delivery of an induction program and development of a state-wide Koorie Transitions Officer Business Plan (for further information see Box 2.4.2).

• Establishing a careers mentoring pilot to provide assistance for young people in Years 7 and 8 from three targeted groups, including Indigenous young people in Morwell.

Box 2.4.1: Indigenous support under the National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions

Several programs under the National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions continue to support Indigenous young people as follows with progress in 2010–11 including:

• Youth Connections (delivered by the Commonwealth Government, in collaboration with the Victorian Government) provides case management and support for at-risk young people to remain engaged in, or reconnect with, education and training. Providers place a special focus on assisting Indigenous young people where required. In 2011, 203 clients were targeted to receive intensive assistance through this program.

• Workplace Learning Coordinators across Victoria facilitate workplace-based learning experiences for all students. All providers have a requirement to increase the number of Indigenous young people undertaking workplace learning placements.

• Koorie Transition Officers across all Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Regions who develop relationships with Indigenous young people and their families to increase the number who remain in education or training, improve aspirations to succeed at school, and support strong post-school pathways.

Box 2.4.2: Koorie Transitions Officers

Koorie Transitions Officers are undertaking a range of activities including:

• Working in partnership with Youth Transition Officers and Regional Career Development Officers in the implementation of the Careers Curriculum Framework.

• Working in partnership with the Koorie Education Workforce in the implementation of the Koorie Education Learning Plan and how the Koorie Careers Action Plan will interface with this tool.

• Engaging with the Koorie Education Workforce to support their understanding of transition pathways.

• Meeting with key stakeholders in the region such as Local Learning and Employment Networks, Youth Connections, Schools, Regional Network Leaders, and Indigenous employment agencies.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 39 Strategic Area for Action 3 Improve economic development, settle native title claims and address land access issues

Indicator 3.1 Increase the successful transition of Indigenous young people aged 18 to 24 years to employment and/or further education Indicator 3.2 Increase Indigenous labour force participation Indicator 3.3 Increase workforce participation by Indigenous people in the public sector in ways which can drive improvements in the Strategic Areas for Action Indicator 3.4 Increase the proportion of Indigenous people with access to their traditional lands

Improved outcomes in education and early childhood development will enable more young Indigenous Victorians to achieve employment and be financially independent throughout life. Strong pathways and successful transition to further education and employment will ensure positive gains in early childhood and education translate into lifelong opportunities in the economy. Currently, Indigenous Victorians, their families and their communities are not employed or operating businesses at the same rate as non-Indigenous Victorians. Long term unemployment and ‘worklessness’25 significantly affects the health and wellbeing of families by limiting their economic independence and subsequent life choices. It entrenches inequalities. To address this, the Council of Australian Governments has set a target to halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade. In 2010–11 in Victoria, a package of Indigenous economic development initiatives announced in May 2010 continued to be implemented. Employment and business initiatives formed the centrepiece of Victoria’s Indigenous economic development agenda. This included effort to increase the proportion of Indigenous Victorians employed in the Victorian public sector. Through the Council of Australian Government’s National Partnership on Indigenous Economic Participation, the Victorian Government has committed to an Indigenous public sector target of one per cent. Other important contributors to economic development include access to appropriate housing and access to land. Land is a key asset for wealth generation. Increasing access to land for Indigenous Victorians and ensuring that there are economic benefits arising from increased access to land offers opportunities for sustainable economic development. Private sector partners are critical for Indigenous economic development as the private sector plays a direct and key role in increasing Indigenous employment and business and also indirectly through influencing their supply chains. An important partnership has been established with the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) to deliver a comprehensive business support program for Indigenous businesses. As well as program delivery, VECCI has demonstrated private sector leadership by auspicing Kinaway, Victoria’s Indigenous Chamber of Commerce. Other key partners include the Commonwealth Government which has primary responsibility for providing employment services in Victoria and also the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI), which works in partnership with the State Government to support the participation of Indigenous Victorians in the VET sector.

25 Refers to where an individual of working age and who is able to work has, for an extended period of time, not worked and has not actively sought work or participated in education and training.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 40 Indicator 3.1 Increase successful transition of Indigenous young people aged 18 to 24 years to employment and/or further education

On Track, the annual post school survey (Table 3.1) shows that an increasing proportion of Indigenous Year 12 completers enrolled in university between 2006 and 2011. This is consistent with the national effort to increase the proportion of 25 to 34 year-olds with a qualification at a Bachelor level or above to 40 per cent by 2025. There was an overall decline in the proportion of Indigenous Year 12 completers enrolling in TAFE and VET since 2006. There was also an overall decline of Indigenous Year 12 completers entering full-time work over the same period. The growing level of higher education enrolment represents more opportunities for Indigenous young people to further develop their intellectual capital, and improve their prospects of productive economic participation. Table 3.1: On Track destination data for Indigenous Year 12 completers as a percentage (government schools and TAFE)26

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 University 27.8 25.5 22.4 28.9 28.7 30.0 VET Cert IV+ 18.7 17.1 21.2 16.1 15.8 12.2 VET Entry-level 7.0 7.7 8.3 6.4 8.4 6.9 Apprentice 2.7 5.6 8.7 5.0 7.1 5.6 Trainee 8.6 5.9 2.9 4.7 7.4 8.4 Working full-time 11.8 9.1 14.1 6.1 7.7 7.5 Working part-time 11.8 15.0 8.3 12.5 10.0 10.0 Looking for work 7.0 8.7 4.5 9.6 8.1 9.7 Deferred 4.8 5.2 9.6 10.7 6.8 9.7 TOTAL 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Interviewed 187 286 312 280 310 320

Indigenous young people in the VET sector

In 2010 there were 4,801 Indigenous people enrolled in the Victorian Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year. This includes 1,796 Indigenous young people (18 to 24 years), which represents a growth of 16 per cent on the previous year.

Box 3.1.1 Indigenous young people in the VET sector

The VET sector plays an important role for Indigenous young people who have not completed Year 12, or left school earlier supporting them to remain in school or transition to further learning or employment. In 2010, there were 897 Indigenous young people (18 to 24 years) enrolled in VET who had not completed Year 12 representing an increase of 17 per cent compared to the previous year.

26 Source: On Track Survey–Data Outcomes and Evaluation

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 41 The recent growth in Indigenous enrolments at Certificate III level and above (15 per cent between 2008 and 2010) supports the Council of Australian Governments growth target for these qualifications: to halve the proportion of Australians aged 20 to 64 years without qualifications at Certificate III level and above between 2009 and 2020. Similarly, the 17 per cent growth in Indigenous Diploma and Advanced Diploma enrolments between 2008 and 2010 aligns with the Council of Australian Governments target of doubling the number of these qualifications between 2009 and 2020. The 2010 Module Load Completion Rate27 for Indigenous students increased from 64 per cent in 2009 to 65 per cent in 2010. It continues to be below the Module Load Completion Rate for the overall VET student population (78 per cent). Many of the initiatives as described under Strategic Area for Action 2, particularly those under the National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions and the Victorian Careers Curriculum Framework, support transition to further education or employment. Other important initiatives include:

• The Victorian Training Guarantee which continues to support increased participation of Indigenous people in VET through unlimited access to government subsidised training for foundation-level qualifications28.

• The provision in 2010 of targeted funding for Indigenous VET in the Goulburn Valley and Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust in East Gippsland.

• In partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and through the Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Board, continuation of a project to train and support 15 Aboriginal Health Workers in the acute public health system.

Box 3.1.2: Wurreker initiatives

The Wurreker Strategy is a partnership between the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated and the Victorian Government to improve participation by Indigenous people in VET. As part of this partnership, the Victorian Government supports the following activities:

• Funding and support for the implementation of the Wurreker Strategy in TAFEs.

• Funding and professional development for 23 Koorie Liaison Officers.

• A concession tuition fee for Indigenous students eligible for the Victorian Training Guarantee.

• Additional funding to training providers for Indigenous enrolments. Since the Strategy commenced in 2000, there has been 34 per cent growth in Indigenous enrolments in the VET sector.

27 The Module Load Completion Rate describes the extent to which students complete the training in which they enrol. 28 The growth in enrolments in higher level VET qualifications signals a positive response by Indigenous communities to the opportunities afforded by the Victorian Training Guarantee to move into further training and sustainable employment pathways.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 42 Indicator 3.2 Increase Indigenous labour force participation

The Victorian Government complements the Commonwealth Government’s employment services through targeted Indigenous employment projects. In 2010–11 State-funded employment projects supported:

• 477 Indigenous job-seekers to register with a State funded employment project.

• 277 Indigenous job-seekers to commence employment.

• 136 Indigenous Victorians to achieve a sustainable employment outcome.29 In addition, a further 45 Indigenous young people commenced traineeships in the Victorian public sector through the Youth Employment Scheme in 2010–11. Between 2008–09 and 2010–11, more than 540 Indigenous job-seekers have participated in the Victorian Government’s Indigenous employment projects and this is a very positive result. Employment is the most common way that people benefit from and contribute to our economy. It delivers both financial and social benefits to individuals, families and communities. Importantly, it delivers skills and labour to support continued economic growth and prosperity. Employment plays a critical role in breaking the generational cycle of disadvantage. Children who have a parent who is employed are more likely to complete secondary school, more likely to enter into post- secondary education and more likely to gain employment themselves. The 2010–11 year has seen the consolidation and growth of activity supporting increased labour force participation by Indigenous Victorians. The principal activity has been the continuing success of five employment projects operating in over 10 locations in metropolitan and regional Victoria. By 30 June 2011, these programs had achieved 136 of their targeted 350 sustainable employment outcomes. It is anticipated that the target will be achieved well in advance of the original date of completion. The introduction of industry and place-based brokers has augmented and strengthened the work of the employment projects. Five industry and place-based brokers support the delivery of six employment programs to achieve 350 sustainable jobs for Indigenous people. The brokers will be funded for two years from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2013. The introduction of the Indigenous Employment Network has also strengthened Indigenous employment outcomes. Employment brokers and providers meet regularly to discuss areas of common concern and to address and resolve barriers to success that arise from time to time.

29 A sustainable employment outcome is where a job-seeker has remained in employment for 16 weeks or more.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 43 Indicator 3.3 Increase workforce participation by Indigenous people in the public sector in ways which can drive improvements in the Strategic Areas for Action

Governments, as employers, have a responsibility to contribute to closing the employment gap. It is also important that the public sector reflects the diverse community it serves to ensure better and more responsive services. Services that respond to the needs of Indigenous Victorians are an important priority for the Victorian Government. Increasing Indigenous public sector employment is a commitment made by the Victorian Government through the National Partnership on Indigenous Economic Participation. The Commonwealth Government has also agreed to match Victoria’s one per cent target in Victoria. In 2010–11, the Victorian Government conducted a baseline data survey, which will now be conducted in conjunction with the annual Victorian public sector workforce survey. The baseline survey indicates that the proportion of people who identify as Indigenous is 0.3 per cent. However the statistical error for this figure is quite large and the survey relied on self identification and can only be used as an indication of minimum numbers. Karreeta Yirramboi the Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Employment and Career Development Action Plan 2010–2015, launched in 2010, sets out how the Victorian Government intends to improve public sector outcomes for Indigenous Victorians. Implementation of this plan commenced during 2010–11 through:

• The completion and release of the baseline survey on the current status of Indigenous employment in the Victorian Government public sector.

• The establishment of arrangements to deliver on the commitments and frameworks to monitor progress.

• Ongoing work to develop a resource that will assist public sector organisations attract, recruit and retain Indigenous employees.

• The revision of ‘Pick Vic’ (a resource guide and website for school careers counsellors and students about the range of careers on offer with the Victorian government) and the [email protected] website to include information on Karreeta Yirramboi and employment opportunities for Indigenous people in the Victorian Government. In response to Karreeta Yirramboi, all Victorian Government departments commenced the development or implementation of an Indigenous Employment Plan (see Box 3.3).

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 44 Box 3.3 Progress made on development of departmental employment plans

Department Status of plans as at 30 June 2011 Department of The DBI Aboriginal Employment Plan was at final draft stage as of 30 June 2011 and Business and plans are on target for its launch in 2011–12. Innovation (DBI)

Department of DEECD developed an Interim Aboriginal Employment Plan in response to Karreeta Education and Yirramboi: Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Employment and Career Development Action Early Childhood Plan 2010–2015. A significant range of issues pertinent to Indigenous employment and career Development development were captured through the development of DEECD’s first Aboriginal Inclusion (DEECD) Action Plan and these will now be reflected in the DEECD Aboriginal Employment Plan.

Department of DH responded to Karreeta Yirramboi: Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Employment Health (DH) and Career Development Action Plan 2010–2015 through its Aboriginal Recruitment and Retention Strategy 2010–2013, the Closing the Health Gap, Aboriginal Health Workforce Plan, June 2013, ant the DHS and DH Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2010–11.

Department of In partnership with DH, DHS continued to implement the Aboriginal Recruitment and Human Services Retention Strategy 2012–13, that established a 1.5 per cent Aboriginal employment target (DHS) by December 2013 and has subsequently achieved an increase in Aboriginal employment across the department from 62 in January 2010 to 104 in October 2011. New pathway programs include the Aboriginal Graduate Recruitment Program and Aboriginal Study to Work Program.

Department of DoJ’s comprehensive Koori Employment Strategy 2011–2015 continued to deliver Justice (DoJ) employment for Indigenous Victorians with an increase from four Indigenous employees in 2000 to 108 (self identified) by June 2011 across both Indigenous- specific and non- Indigenous roles.

Department of The implementation of the DPCD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Employment Planning and Strategy, launched in November 2010, continued with a focus on learning and Community development for Indigenous staff and the creation of an active Indigenous employee Development network. (DPCD)

Department of DPC is developing an Indigenous Employment Strategy which includes recruitment, Premier and selection and retention processes to increase Aboriginal participation in the workforce Cabinet (DPC) and supports the goal of Karreeta Yirramboi. Preliminary work has commenced in the establishment of the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy which will foster a workforce that is open to diversity and will raise cultural awareness. This Strategy will support the delivery of the Indigenous Employment Strategy in DPC.

Department of DPI commenced development of an Aboriginal Employment Plan and with Primary Industries implementation planned for 2011–12. (DPI)

Department of DSE’s Indigenous Partnership Framework 2007–2010 was reviewed in 2011. Sustainability and Recommendations arising from the review were received in July 2011. They are Environment (DSE) currently being considered and will influence and be factored into the development of the Department’s Action Plan.

Department of DoT drafted both an Aboriginal Action Plan and an Aboriginal Employment Strategy to Transport (DoT) align with and deliver on the five key areas outlined within Karreeta Yirramboi: Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Employment and Career Development Action Plan 2010–2015. These plans are on target to be launched in August 2011.

Department of DTF launched their Indigenous Employment Strategy as part of the wider Karreeta Treasury and Yirramboi: Victorian Aboriginal Public Sector Employment and Career Development Action Finance (DTF) Plan 2010– 2015. The Strategy includes actions against the five key areas outlined within the Karreeta Yirramboi initiative.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 45 Indicator 3.4 Increase the proportion of Indigenous people with access to their traditional lands

The registration of Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) and determinations of native title under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) have been used to track progress against this indicator: Between 2009–10 and 2010–11 the total number of ILUAs registered in Victoria increased from 36 to 38. The total area covered by ILUAs increased from 71,400 sq km to 83,326 sq km. The total area over which native title has been determined also increased between 2009–10 and 2010– 11 from 12,296 sq km to 26,125 sq km, including an increase from 1,720 sq km to 15,107 sq km in the total area of land in which native title has been found to exist30. Indigenous people have an important cultural, spiritual and economic relationship with their traditional lands. The resolution of native title claims by agreement recognises this relationship and increases the access that Indigenous people have to their traditional lands, including through their involvement in land and cultural heritage management. Resolution of native title claims also provides the opportunity to build the economic strength of Indigenous Traditional Owners and their participation in regional economies. During 2010–11, the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) came into effect, providing a comprehensive alternate statutory means to settle native title claims and address land justice in Victoria. Under the Act, access to traditional lands can be achieved through agreement-making between the Victorian Government and traditional owner groups, without requiring a finding of native title. The Gunaikurnai native title settlement, reached in October 2010, was the first time the Traditional Owner Settlement Act was used to settle a native title claim. It resolved the largest native title claim in the State, which covered over one-third of Victoria’s Crown land. The settlement formally recognises the Gunaikurnai people as the traditional owners of much of Gippsland, establishes joint-management of 10 parks and reserves across the region, and provides for the economic and cultural development of the Gunaikurnai community. In this case, a determination of native title was also made owing to the substantial prior progress of the claim under the Native Title Act. This was the third time that native title was found to exist in Victoria and contributed to the increase in the area over which native title has been determined noted above. During 2010–11, the first of two natural resource and cultural heritage business enterprises was established with the Dja Dja Wurrung people in Bendigo. Through partnership with the Victorian Government, these enterprises seek to build the economic participation and employment of Indigenous traditional owners on their traditional country. The Victorian Government continued to negotiate towards a resolution of the seven high priority native title claims throughout 2010–11, including the undetermined area of the Gunditjmara claims in South West Victoria. On 27 July 2011, the State agreed in the Federal Court that the Gunditjmara and Eastern Maar peoples hold native title over Crown land in this area, being the fourth such determination of native title in Victoria. This significant outcome was reached following mediation which saved unnecessary legal costs for all parties.

30 These figures are to 30 June 2011 and do not include the determination of native title for the Gunditjmara and Eastern Maar peoples in South West Victoria in July 2011.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 46 Strategic Area for Action 4 Improve health and wellbeing

Indicator 4.1 Reduce smoking rates of Indigenous people Indicator 4.2 Improve the levels of physical activity, healthy weight and healthy eating of Indigenous people Indicator 4.3 Reduce the rates of chronic conditions among Indigenous people Indicator 4.4 Reduce the rate of self-harm among Indigenous people Indicator 4.5 Reduce risky alcohol consumption among Indigenous people

Good health and quality of life is influenced by factors present from the first years of a person’s life and includes education, work and income, safe and affordable housing, the support of family and friends and broader social participation. The relative socioeconomic disadvantage experienced by Indigenous people in Victoria compared to non-Indigenous people places them at greater risk of exposure to economic, social and environmental health risk factors. Research has demonstrated associations between an individual’s social and economic status and their health31. For example:

• Limited education and literacy are linked to poor health status.

• Lower income reduces the accessibility of health care services and medicines.

• Unhealthy infant diet is associated with chronic diseases later in life.

• Smoking and high-risk behaviour is associated with lower socioeconomic status. These contribute to lower life expectancy and a diminished quality of life. Work to improve smoking rates commenced under the new Government in 2010. This includes work to provide smoke-free environments in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and social marketing strategies specific to the Victorian Indigenous population. To focus action, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has committed to closing the life expectancy gap within a generation, and in Victoria there are now Regional ‘Closing the Health Gap’ Advisory Committees in place to develop and apply place-based implementation plans outlining initiatives to address Indigenous disadvantage. A range of initiatives are being implemented in Victoria through the National Partnership on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes. These are particularly focused on physical activity, healthy weight and smoking. Among Indigenous people tobacco use is the leading risk factor contributing to disease and death32. According to 2008 data, nearly 33 per cent of Indigenous Victorians smoke compared to 19 per cent of non-Indigenous Victorians. The rate of risky alcohol consumption is also high, with Indigenous alcohol- related presentations to Emergency Departments being 6.5 times the non-Indigenous rate in 2010. Effective programs which result in reductions in smoking rates and healthier lifestyle choices will, in turn, reduce the incidence of chronic disease and death. Critical partners include the Indigenous community and families, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Commonwealth Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Quit Victoria.

31 Workshop Paper: Social determinants and the health of Indigenous peoples in Australia–a human rights based approach, Presented by Darren Dick on behalf of Mr Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, April 2007. 32 Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage 2009, p 7.33.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 47 Indicator 4.1 Reduce smoking rates of Indigenous people

In 2008, 32.8 per cent of Indigenous Victorians were current smokers, compared to 19 per cent of the non-Indigenous population33. Table 4.1: Smoking rates by Indigenous status, 2008, from the Victorian Population Health Survey

Indigenous % Estimated range(a) Current smoker 32.8 26.5 39.8 Ex-smoker 22.4 16.9 29.1 Non-smoker 44.8 38.3 51.4 Non-Indigenous Current smoker 19.0 18.3 19.7 Ex-smoker 23.8 23.1 24.4 Non-smoker 57.0 56.1 57.8

(a) 95% Confidence Interval It is clear from all surveys that the Indigenous smoking rate is higher than the non-Indigenous rate. However, Victorian results from national surveys indicate that the rate of smoking could be even higher than shown above. This suggests that smoking cessation effort has had limited impact on Indigenous smoking rates to date. One of the priority areas for action under the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes is tackling smoking. The majority of the ‘tackling smoking’ Closing the Gap funding ($8.9 million) has been allocated to the eight Department of Health regions to finance localised action informed by Regional Closing the Gap Advisory Committees. All regions have submitted plans detailing their activity under this priority area. To date this activity has focused on: The development of material and processes to support Indigenous health service providers to become smoke-free.

• Workforce training.

• Developing social marketing materials.

• Providing support for smoke free sporting, social and arts organisations.

• Cessation support through Quit Victoria.

• Strengthening the evidence base for interventions. State-wide coordination has been supported through the Aboriginal Tobacco Control Advisory Group, co-chaired by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and the Victorian Government. This group has representation from the Commonwealth Government, state health regions, tobacco control peak organisations, and research bodies. Action taken in 2010–11 included:

• The Victorian and Commonwealth Governments jointly funding Quit Victoria to employ up to three Aboriginal Quit Line workers to deliver Indigenous specific Quit Line counselling and provide on the ground training and support to Indigenous health service providers.

• Providing funding to Quit Victoria to support Indigenous football/netball clubs with a significant number of Indigenous players and links with local community to go smoke-free.

• The employment of a state-wide Tobacco Control Coordinator by VACCHO to support Indigenous health service providers to go smoke-free through activities including the development of support materials (including a ‘Smoke Free Mob’ website).

33 Victorian Population Health Survey, 2008. The data is standardised to the 2006 Victorian population.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 48 • Under the Closing the Gap Indigenous Chronic Disease Package, the commencement of a Tobacco and Healthy Lifestyle Workforce for Victoria over three years to include 30 positions across five teams funded by the Commonwealth Government.

• A training package for Aboriginal Health Workers developed by Quit Victoria and VACCHO which is currently being delivered across the state.

Indicator 4.2 Improve the levels of physical activity, healthy weight and healthy eating of Indigenous people

In 2008, the percentage of Indigenous adults who were overweight or obese was 52.9 per cent. Indigenous adults who met the Australian guidelines for physical activity was 61.3 per cent compared with 63.2 per cent for non-Indigenous adults. Table 4.234: Body weight, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity levels, by Indigenous status (%), 200835

Overweight Obese Did not meet Did not Met vegetable meet fruit guidelines consumption consumption for physical guidelines guidelines activity Indigenous 30.1 22.8 89.3 62.7 61.3 Non- 32.0 16.7 90.5 51.0 63.2 Indigenous

Note: Data from the Victorian Population Health Survey 2008 has been revised since the previous Indigenous Affairs report. Another survey was conducted in 2011 and this additional data is expected to be available in 2012. Physical health outcomes can be related to various factors, including a healthy living environment, access to health services and lifestyle choices. There are serious health risks associated with being overweight (Body Mass Index 25.0–29.9) or obese (Body Mass Index over 30), including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, gallbladder disease, psycho-social disturbances and certain types of cancers. In Victoria, improving the levels of physical activity, healthy weight and healthy eating by Indigenous people is being addressed through both broad and targeted initiatives. Under the Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes National Partnership, Indigenous gathering places, walking groups, Elders’ luncheons and youth and men’s health groups have been established across a number of regions alongside increased health screening and improved communication strategies. Although the gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous physical activity and healthy eating are small, the Victorian Aboriginal Nutritional and Physical Activity Strategy has set policy directions to improve nutrition and physical activity in Victoria. This strategy, developed by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), is the Victorian Government’s framework for action over 2009-14 to promote healthy eating and physical activity among Indigenous Victorians. Actions under the strategy include:

• Nutrition and physical activity tip sheets targeted to the Indigenous community.

• Increasing and providing professional development opportunities for the Indigenous nutrition and physical activity workforce.

• Supporting positive nutrition and physical activity messages in early childhood settings.

34 Victorian Population Health Survey 2008. The data is standardised to the Victorian population 2006. Based on current Australian guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity. Based on World Health Organization categories for overweight and obesity. 35 Figures represent estimated average percentages for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Victoria.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 49 Indicator 4.3 Reduce the rates of chronic conditions among Indigenous people

In 2008–09, the hospital separation rate for selected chronic conditions was 29.1 per 1000 Indigenous people compared to 15.2 per 1000 non-Indigenous people. Table 4.3: Rate of hospital separations for selected chronic conditions per 1000 population36

Indigenous 2007-08 2008-0937 Indigenous 45.2 29.1 39.8 Non-Indigenous 18.2 15.2

Changes to the national coding between 2007–08 and 2008–09 mean that results cannot be compared. In 2008–09, the range of selected chronic conditions no longer included diabetes complications, which mostly accounts for the significant decrease in separations for Indigenous Victorians and the decrease in the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians. The rate of diabetes is much higher among Indigenous than non-Indigenous Victorians. The Aboriginal Health Promotion and Chronic Care Partnership (AHPACC) program operates in 11 sites across Victoria. It supports Indigenous health service providers and community health services to work in partnership to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Victorians with or at risk of chronic disease. An evaluation of the program conducted in 2010–11 found that the AHPACC has made some significant achievements in the areas of service innovation, community engagement, intersectoral collaboration and mainstream organisational change for cultural responsiveness. The total proportion of Indigenous clients accessing mainstream community health services increased from 1.38 per cent in 2005–06 to 2.33 per cent in 2009–10, where there was an AHPACC program under way. This is a good result, compared with a population share of 0.7 per cent. This is a significantly greater increase than that found in non-AHPACC community health services. The findings indicate that AHPACC is contributing to improving the length and quality of Indigenous Victorians’ lives. Opportunities identified to strengthen the initiative include increasing workers’ role clarity; clarifying reporting; enhancing integration and connection with other programs; and ensuring access to support and networking opportunities across all sectors. Fifteen strategic project grants were awarded to AHPACC partnerships in May 2011, to successful applicants who are pursuing a range of projects to locally implement the strategic directions resulting from the 2010–11 AHPACC review. Projects are varied and include improving employment opportunities in mainstream health services; building a network of Indigenous health workers; health check days; a men’s health project; and expanding a food share program.

36 Hospitalisations for Indigenous Victorians were based on state of hospitalisation in 2007-08, and state of residence in 2008–09. 37 The 2011 Review of Government Services sourced separations data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2010, Australian hospital statistics 2008–09, Cat. no. HSE 84, Canberra.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 50 Indicator 4.4 Reduce the rate of self-harm among Indigenous people

In 2010–11, 4.46 per 1000 Indigenous Victorians presented to hospital Emergency Departments with conditions and injuries related to intentional self-harm, compared to 1.10 per 1000 non-Indigenous Victorians. Table 4.4: Self-harm related emergency department presentations - rate per 1000 population, by Indigenous status

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 Indigenous 3.01 3.70 4.07 4.68 3.34 4.46 Non-Indigenous 1.3 1.22 1.11 1.18 1.158 1.10

Where the rate of self-harm presentations for non-Indigenous Victorians has stayed fairly stable over the past six years, the Indigenous rate has shown an overall increase, in spite of a range of programs to support those at risk of suicide or self-harm. It is not known whether the situation would be worse in the absence of the current efforts, or has been unaffected by current programs. In the Indigenous community, suicide and self-harm can be influenced by a complex set of interrelated factors relating to mental illness, family violence and instability, substance abuse, intergenerational trauma and poverty. Prevention can be influenced by strong family and community relationships, resilience and social capital. Responses to self-harm and risk of suicide include clinical interventions through specialist mental health and primary health care service providers and early intervention activity. Initiatives to prevent suicide and support those at risk in Victoria include:

• Various strategies and actions under the Victorian Aboriginal Suicide Prevention and Response Action Plan (refer to Box 4.4.1).

• The delivery of two projects, located in Morwell and Echuca, to develop prevention, identification and early intervention programs targeted to young Indigenous people aged 10–25 years who are at risk of, or experiencing, poor social and emotional wellbeing.

• Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer positions in the five rural regions (10 positions) and one Metropolitan Area Mental Health Service based at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

• The Youth Justice Mental Health Program providing six positions state-wide to improve access to mental health services for clients of the Youth Justice program.

• The provision of five acute inpatient beds for priority access by Indigenous people needing acute inpatient treatment for their illness.

• The Aboriginal Mental Health Metropolitan Service Redevelopment Project and Training Initiative (refer to Box 4.4.2).

• The funding of 19 Indigenous health service providers throughout Victoria to provide psychiatric disability rehabilitation and support services for Indigenous people.

• The continued delivery of the Robinvale Festival for Healthy Living by the Royal Children’s Hospital, with a focus on arts-based activities in 2011 involving the contracted engagement of five local Indigenous artists and local Indigenous Elders.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 51 Box 4.4.1 The Victorian Aboriginal Suicide Prevention and Response Action Plan

The Plan identifies action for reducing the incidence and impact of suicide and self-harm and nominates further action in four priority areas:

• Prevention through building resilience.

• Improving access to care and support for those at risk.

• Improving the response to crisis and to the community post- suicide.

• Improving the evidence base, data collection and analysis. Strategies have been developed for each of the priority areas.

Box 4.4.2 Aboriginal Mental Health Metropolitan Service Redevelopment Project and Training Initiative

This is a project funded over four years (2009–13) and has two components:

• The Aboriginal Mental Health Metropolitan Service Redevelopment Project is being undertaken by the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service in partnership with the Victorian Government and is designing a service model that will improve access to metropolitan wide mental health services for Indigenous people.

• The Aboriginal Mental Health Training Project is being undertaken by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, and is to implement a state-wide training and education agenda to improve the recruitment and retention of a skilled Indigenous mental health workforce and also improve the cultural responsiveness of mental health services to the needs of Indigenous people, their families and communities.

Indicator 4.5 Reduce risky alcohol consumption among Indigenous people

In 2010–11 the rate of Indigenous alcohol-related presentations to emergency departments was six times the non-Indigenous rate. Indigenous alcohol-related emergency department presentations rose from 13.28 (in 2009–10) to 14.38 per 1000 people in 2010–11. Table 4.5: Alcohol-related emergency department presentations–rate per 1000 population, by Indigenous status

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 Indigenous 10.05 10.21 11.17 14.26 13.28 14.38

Non-Indigenous 1.8 2.0 2.16 2.25 2.11 2.33

The rate of presentations to emergency departments for alcohol-related causes has risen for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons, but the Indigenous rate is far higher and has increased at a greater rate. The data indicates a serious trend in the rate of alcohol related Indigenous emergency presentations to hospital, and suggests the situation is worse than it was six years ago. Risky alcohol consumption has health and social consequences through intoxication, alcohol dependence and other long-term health effects. In addition, alcohol misuse, over time, can lead to chronic diseases. It also contributes to disability and death indirectly through associated accidents and

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 52 violence. Box 4.5: The Koori Alcohol Action Plan 2010–2020

The Plan recognises that alcohol use in Victoria’s Indigenous population occurs in different social, historical and cultural contexts to that of the non-Indigenous population. It was developed in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and Victoria’s Indigenous communities to achieve long-term change by working together and supporting Victorian Indigenous communities to reduce alcohol misuse and the negative consequences of harmful alcohol abuse. During the community consultations four key themes emerged, which now form the basis of the Koori Alcohol Action Plan 2010–2020. Actions under each theme describe how improved outcomes will be achieved. The themes are:

• Strengthening communities

• Responsible access to alcohol

• Improved information and understanding

• Improving responses and services.

The Victorian Government is developing a new Whole of Government Alcohol and Drug Strategy, to be released in mid 2012 and has committed to implementing the Koori Alcohol Action Plan 2010–2020 as part of this new strategy. The Victorian Government will continue to work in partnership with the Victorian Indigenous community. In 2010–11 $4.5 million over four years was committed for new nursing capacity for three rural Alcohol and Other Drug Resource Services operated by Indigenous health service providers in Shepparton, Mildura and Bairnsdale. In consultation with respective local communities, each service developed an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) local action plan. The action plans articulated a new Alcohol and Other Drug service model, staffed by AOD workers and AOD nurses who prioritise the needs of the local community. Nurses have been employed at each Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and implementation of the newly developed AOD service models is underway.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 53 Strategic Area for Action 5 Build Indigenous capacity

Indicator 5.1 Increase participation of Indigenous people in local representative arrangements Indicator 5.2 Increase the representation of Indigenous people on government boards and committees Indicator 5.3 Increase the proportion of board members of large Indigenous organisations having undertaken rigorous governance training

Sustaining improved economic and social outcomes for Indigenous Victorians and overcoming intergenerational disadvantage over the longer term will require strong, engaged and informed communities that set high cultural, economic and social aspirations and work together to achieve them. Such communities will:

• Provide Indigenous Victorians with the opportunity to connect with their community and culture.

• Be highly confident, organised, active and respected.

• Have strong Indigenous organisations that are sustainable and accountable. There has been continued focus on supporting the growth of Local Indigenous Networks (LINs) as forums for community engagement, planning and action. Participation in the 38 LINs across Victoria has grown by more than 15 per cent over the last year and there are now more than 1500 Indigenous Victorians linked to members of their Indigenous community at a local level through a LIN. There has also been renewed focus on supporting Indigenous Victorians to have a stronger say in decisions and services through Wayaperri. Wayaperri (meaning ‘to meet’ in the language of the Wathaurung people of Victoria) is an initiative supporting Indigenous leadership through facilitating board participation and mentoring and learning. Wayaperri includes a register for Indigenous people interested in becoming part of a government or community board, a mentor bank managed by the Indigenous Leadership Network Victoria, scholarships and other training opportunities. The capacity of Indigenous organisations has continued to be supported through the delivery of a governance training program, with 56 per cent of board members of large Indigenous organisations now having undergone formal governance training in this initiative. In addition, skills gained through this program have supported individuals to establish businesses and take on broader leadership roles in their local communities.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 54 Indicator 5.1 Increase participation of Indigenous people in local representative arrangements

On 30 June 2010 there were 1,307 registered Local Indigenous Network (LIN) participants across the state. One year later this number had grown to 1,506, an increase of 15.3 per cent. A Local Indigenous Network (LIN) is made up of Indigenous people who work together to provide a voice for their community, identify local issues and priorities and plan for the future. LINs are involved in community events and gatherings; building relationships with local service providers and organisations; linking with local government planning; working with Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups; increasing youth participation; and planning and supporting community initiatives. Each LIN develops a local community plan that identifies their strengths and resources and describes the vision, aspirations and priorities for their local community. A staged process to establish LINs in 38 Victorian Indigenous communities commenced in 2006–07 and was completed in 2008–09. In 2010–11, the Victorian Government, in partnership with Swinburne University, conducted three additional community planning workshops at Halls Gap, Preston and Echuca, in addition to the six delivered in 2009–10. These workshops were attended by 49 participants from 15 LINs and gave participants an overview of community planning to get them started on their own plans. All LINs have now commenced community planning to identify their aspirations and priorities, and strategies to achieve them. Victoria’s LINs are supported by 13 Indigenous Community Development Brokers who are based in Regional Teams across all state regions. During 2010–11, the Brokers continued to assist Victoria’s LINs to design and implement a range of activities to increase community engagement and build community participation in local Indigenous representative arrangements.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 55 Indicator 5.2 Increase the representation of Indigenous people on government boards and committees

Indigenous representation on government boards and committees fell from 0.90 per cent in 2009–10 to 0.53 per cent in 2010–1138. Table 5.2: Proportion of Indigenous people on government boards and committees

2009–10 2010–11 Indigenous Representation 0.90% 0.53%

Note: Figures presented include School Councils, and exclude Crown Land Committees of Management (CLCMs). CLCMs became available from the Government Appointment and Public Entities Database (GAPED) in 2010–11. Thus CLCMs were not taken into account in the 2009–10 Report. However CLCMs are also not added in the calculations for this report to standardise comparisons between 2009–10 and 2010–11. Nonetheless CLCMs will be included in next year’s report for both 2010–11 and 2011–12 to ensure a more objective measure of Indigenous representation on government boards and committees. This significant drop was due to the cessation of the Premier’s Aboriginal Advisory Board (which accounted for 12 positions) and an increase in the overall number of Government boards and committees in 2010–11. There is a case in future to separately measure Indigenous representation on boards and committees not directly related to Indigenous issues as a means of measuring both inclusion and the wider expertise Indigenous Victorians can bring to government boards and committees. A significant body of research shows that better outcomes are achieved if decisions are made by those most impacted. High representation on government boards and committees by Indigenous Victorians enables influence over how decisions are to be carried out and how Indigenous members of the community can be included in the making, implementation and communication of those decisions. The Victorian Government will continue to strengthen approaches that enhance the ability of Indigenous communities to shoulder greater responsibilities, consider ways to increase representation on government boards and committees, and strengthen engagement in service delivery. During 2010–11, 11 individuals received scholarships to the Australian Institute of Company Directors Company Directors Course as part of the Wayaperri leadership initiative. The Company Directors Course is a dynamic and well-recognised course that equips participants with a thorough knowledge of the responsibilities of directors and board members. Work is continuing through the Wayaperri Aboriginal Participation on Boards Register to increase the number of Indigenous Victorians serving on public and private boards and committees. This includes:

• An active register of Indigenous people trained and available to serve on boards and committees.

• Access to appropriate training to enable Indigenous people to effectively participate in high level boards and committees.

• Monthly newsletters and regular emails which communicate board opportunities for Indigenous people on the register to participate in public and private boards and committees.

38 This data is based on information provided by business units with appointment responsibilities. Machinery of Government changes that have occurred since the November 2010 State Election may impact on statistics for each department. It is also not compulsory for appointees to identify as Indigenous.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 56 Indicator 5.3 Increase the proportion of board members of large Indigenous organisations having undertaken rigorous governance training

As at 2010–11, 56 per cent (or 94 out of 168) of board members (both current and former) from Victoria’s 25 largest Indigenous community organisations have participated in the Victorian Government’s Governance Training Program. The total number of Indigenous Victorians who participated in the Governance Training Program in 2010–11 was 121. In 2010–11, the first 11 participants successfully participated in the Australian Institute of Company Director’s Company Directors Course, for which scholarships are awarded as part of the Wayaperri leadership initiative. This training is well recognised and is applicable to both public and private sector boards and committees. There are approximately 200 Indigenous community-controlled organisations in Victoria that provide a wide range of essential services for their communities. Because of their important role, they need to be well governed and sustainable. Indigenous organisations’ boards of management are generally volunteers with little or no formal training in governance. These boards, some managing budgets over $1 million annually, must balance community and cultural responsibilities, while also maintaining their legal obligations to the wider community, government legislators and funding bodies. With such significant responsibilities, directors and staff require diverse skills to manage the complex demands faced by their organisations. To support improve governance and skill development, three introductory three-day governance workshops and three Certificate IV in Business (Governance) courses were successfully conducted under the Governance Training Program in 2010–11. Since the Governance Training Program started in March 2006, 24 introductory workshops, 12 Certificate IV courses, and two Diploma courses have been delivered in regional and metropolitan locations across the state, training 575 participants from 164 organisations. Consumer Affairs Victoria reports that compliance of Indigenous organisations with their statutory obligations stands at 94 per cent, which remains significantly higher than that of mainstream organisations overall.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 57 Strategic Area for Action 6 Prevent family violence and improve justice outcomes

Indicator 6.1 Increase the police response to and action taken on any Indigenous family violence incident reported to them Indicator 6.2 Reduce repeat police call outs for Indigenous family violence incidents Indicator 6.3 Reduce the number of times Indigenous young people (aged 10-17) are processed by police Indicator 6.4 Increase the proportion of Indigenous young people (aged 10-17) cautioned when processed by police Indicator 6.5 Reduce the proportion of Indigenous people remanded in custody Indicator 6.6 Reduce the proportion of Indigenous adults sentenced to prison rather than alternatives Indicator 6.7 Reduce the proportion of Indigenous people who are convicted within two years of their previous conviction

The socioeconomic disadvantage, marginalisation and disengagement experienced by many Indigenous Victorians places them at greater risk of contact with the justice system. While Indigenous Victorians remain over-represented across the justice continuum, progress has been made over the last five years to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous justice outcomes. This includes an improvement in the rate of Indigenous youth (aged 10-17) processed by police when compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts, as well as closing of the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous sentencing and remand outcomes. The Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA) is a partnership with the Victorian Indigenous community which aims to reduce the over representation of Indigenous Victorians in the criminal justice system. The second phase of the Agreement (AJA2) was released in 2006 and seeks to intervene at every point along the criminal justice experience to increase opportunities for diversion and reduce re-offending by Indigenous Victorians. It also focuses on making the justice system more responsive to and inclusive of Indigenous people. AJA2, and its related programs and policies are delivered through a coordinated network of government and community representation working together at state-wide, regional and local levels to improve justice outcomes for Indigenous Victorians. The Aboriginal Justice Forum (AJF) comprises chairpersons from the nine Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees (RAJACs), executive representatives from key Indigenous community organisations, and senior government representatives from agencies responsible for the delivery of justice-related services. The AJF has been instrumental in forging partnerships between government and the Indigenous community at the local, regional and state-wide levels. At local levels, the RAJAC network facilitates improved relationships by bringing together Indigenous community members and senior Justice Portfolio representatives to develop regionally-based strategies to improve justice outcomes for Indigenous communities. There are nine RAJACs, each chaired by an Indigenous community member and supported by departmental officers. RAJAC Regional Justice Plans have been developed that articulate the justice-related aspirations of each region and set the agenda for strategic action required to meet regional goals of the AJA2. The Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committee (LAJAC) network further enables Indigenous communities to identify, and develop placed-based responses to justice related issues. Locally identified issues are channelled up to the RAJAC to inform wider strategic direction and high level policy and program responses.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 58 An independent evaluation of AJA2 commenced in 2011 and is due for completion in early 2012. Work has commenced on the development of AJA3, which is expected to be released in mid 2012. Violence, particularly family violence is symptomatic of intergenerational disadvantage, risky alcohol and other drug consumption, low educational attainment, and ongoing grief and trauma. Violence is a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of many Indigenous families, particularly women and children. Family violence undermines the ability of families and communities to achieve their cultural, economic and social aspirations. It diminishes social capacity and the community’s ability to work together to meet its needs. Victoria’s Indigenous communities are also involved in a partnership approach to address the high rates of family violence experienced by Indigenous Victorians. Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families: towards a safer future for Indigenous families and communities, the Victorian Government’s Indigenous Family Violence 10 Year Plan, is focused on creating a safer future for Indigenous families and communities. The Plan is the result of considerable collaborative effort by the Indigenous Family Violence Partnership Forum established in 2005. Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Groups have been established across Victoria and undertake a valuable role in developing and guiding community-led approaches to preventing, reducing, and responding to family violence in Indigenous communities. Other important partners include the Commonwealth Government, Victoria Police, Corrections Victoria, and the Courts.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 59 Indicator 6.1 Increase the police response to and action taken on any Indigenous family violence incident reported to them Indicator 6.2 Reduce repeat police call outs for Indigenous family violence incidents.

In 2010–11, there were 1295 Family Incidents Reports where the Affected Family Member identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Charges were laid in 32.9 per cent of these cases. Of the Family Incidents Reports made by Indigenous Affected Family Members, 979 of these were for repeat attendance from Victoria Police. Charges were laid in 34.2 per cent of repeat attendances. Both tables indicate that the similar rate between Indigenous and non-Indigenous at which charges were laid suggests a consistent approach by police. Table 6.139: No. of Family Incidents Reports (FIRs), by Indigenous status of affected family member, by financial year and where charges laid

Indigenous status 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 No. FIRs % FIRs No. FIRs % FIRs No. FIRs % FIRs No. FIRs % FIRs No. FIRs % FIRs recorded where recorded where recorded where recorded where recorded where charges charges charges charges charges laid laid laid laid laid Indigenous 794 28.7 871 24.8 1070 29.0 1213 28.6 1295 32.9 Non-Indigenous 16482 27.2 17985 25.4 20886 26.8 22019 27.4 24518 30.0

Table 6.240: No. of Family Incidents Reports, by Indigenous status of affected family member, by financial year and where repeat attendance41

Indigenous status 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 No. FIRs % FIRs No. FIRs % FIRs No. FIRs % FIRs No. FIRs % FIRs No. FIRs % FIRs recorded where recorded where recorded where recorded where recorded where charges charges charges charges charges laid laid laid laid laid Indigenous 582 31.1 644 27.2 775 30.7 30.9 30.1 979 34.2 Non-Indigenous 8376 31.3 9189 29.3 10863 30.9 11106 32.1 13037 34.2

As police are often the first contact with the justice system, they are in a key position to ensure the safety of Affected Family Members and encourage offenders to behave in ways that do not attract further contact with justice agencies. The initial police response to a family violence incident can have a profound impact on whether the Affected Family Members will report further incidents and whether the alleged offender will continue to offend. A significant focus in achieving the indicators has been on encouraging greater community engagement between Indigenous Victorians and police. Improved responses enable police to put in place risk management strategies and refer parties to relevant support agencies. Over time, this more comprehensive level of risk management is intended to provide better support and safety planning for victims, and consequently contribute to a reduction in repeat attendances and reduced risk of future violence.

39 Data provided by Corporate Statistics, Victoria Police. Data extracted from LEAP on 18 July 2011 and is subject to variation. Incidents with unknown Indigenous status have not been included in any of these calculations. 40 Data provided by Corporate Statistics, Victoria Police. Data extracted from LEAP on 18 July 2011 and is subject to variation. Incidents with unknown Indigenous status have not been included in any of these calculations. 41 Repeat Attendance is defined as where the affected family member has made previous Family Incident Reports to police.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 60 The Victoria Police Code of Practice for the Investigation of Family Violence (The Code) has contributed to enhanced response and decision making processes by police, with particular emphasis on risk assessment and management. The Code recognises that Indigenous women experience violence at a particularly high rate and that police response needs to be culturally appropriate and sensitive to diverse needs. As seen in tables 6.1 and 6.2, there have been steady increases in the number of family incident reports where an Affected Family Members is identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander over the life of the VIAF. Since the introduction of the Code in 2004, police applications for intervention orders have risen by 212 per cent, and police now make referrals in most family violence incidents attended42. In addition, Victoria Police is coordinating an Indigenous Family Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign across four locations in Victoria, and continues to proactively engage with community groups in recognising localised issues and opportunities. Positive community engagement has contributed to increased reporting of family violence and subsequently, improved opportunities for early intervention and engagement with support services. The Indigenous Family Violence Strategy seeks to address under-reporting of family violence incidents. Government efforts since 2005 have had a measurable impact on the understanding and awareness of family violence across all Victorian communities. Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Groups continue to play a pivotal role in raising awareness of family violence in local communities. Each Regional Action Group implements an action plan that has been developed to address local priorities. The Indigenous Family Violence Partnership Forum, a community-led partnership with government, is the key governance mechanism driving the Indigenous Family Violence Strategy. It consists of Indigenous community representatives from across the state; Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group Chairpersons; Indigenous organisations; and senior representatives from government departments. The Forum developed and now oversees the implementation of Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families - towards a safer future for Indigenous families and communities–10 year plan. Reporting on the implementation plan occurs every six months and aligns to Indigenous Family Violence Partnership Forum meetings. New services to assist Indigenous women and children experiencing family violence have been provided in all regions. In addition, two new crisis facilities to address the needs of Indigenous women and children experiencing family violence are being established in the Loddon Mallee and Gippsland regions. Case managed support for Indigenous men who use violence have been implemented in North & West Metropolitan Region, Southern Metropolitan Region, Loddon Mallee, Gippsland and Hume Regions. Evidence continues to be gathered through the development of the Indigenous Family Violence Primary Prevention Framework on the range of community-led initiatives that contribute toward the prevention of family violence in Indigenous communities, and provides further guidance for local Indigenous family violence prevention projects. The Framework supports:

• Primary prevention capacity building.

• Effective and sustainable activities.

• Ownership and leadership within Indigenous communities.

42 Living Free From Violence, Upholding the Right: Victoria Police Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children 2009–14, p. 15.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 61 Indicator 6.3 Reduce the number of times Indigenous young people (aged 10-17) are processed by police43 Indicator 6.4 Increase the proportion of Indigenous young people (aged 10-17) cautioned when processed by police

In 2010–11, Indigenous young people (aged 10-17 years) were 3.2 times more likely to be processed by police by way of a caution, arrest, summons, or warrant than non-Indigenous young people. Compared with the 2004–05 rate of 3.9, this is a decrease of 20 per cent. In 2010–11, 33.8 per cent of Indigenous young people were cautioned when processed by police. The ‘gap’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cautioning outcomes has closed by more than 30 per cent over the last five years. Table 6.3: Number of times Indigenous young people are more likely to be processed by police than non-Indigenous young people

2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 Number of times more 3.9 3.6 2.9 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.2 likely to be processed Data Source: Victoria Police, Department of Justice population projections.

Note: These figures represent the ratio of distinct, young (10-17 years) Indigenous alleged offenders processed per thousand to distinct, young non-Indigenous alleged offenders processed per thousand. Population estimates are based on 2001 and 2006 ABS Census figures. Table 6.4: Proportion of distinct (alleged) young (10-17 years) offenders cautioned by police, by Indigenous status

2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 Indigenous 33.6% 27.9% 36.7% 36.5% 34.2% 35.2% 33.8% Non-Indigenous 47.6% 51.4% 57.7% 57.4% 54.7% 52.2% 49.7%

Data Source: Victoria Police

Note: Percentages are based on the number of distinct, young Indigenous alleged offenders cautioned when first processed by police during the year. In order to address Indigenous over-representation in the criminal justice system it is crucial to reduce the number of young Indigenous Victorians at risk of offending. This is an increasingly important issue because the proportion of the Indigenous population under 25 years of age is almost double that of the non-Indigenous population, and continues to grow rapidly. Indigenous youth are one of the most socially and economically disadvantaged groups in Victoria, and face additional challenges stemming from past and present racism and discrimination. As a result, Indigenous youth are at greater risk of adverse contact with the criminal justice system. Preventing adverse contact, or where possible, minimising the severity of the contact with the criminal justice system in the first instance, is fundamental to reducing Indigenous over-representation in this system. Cautioning aims to minimise the likelihood of subsequent contact with the criminal justice system for young offenders, thereby decreasing the likelihood of them becoming entrenched in a cycle of re-offending.

43 Note that Strategic Change Indicators 6.3-6.7 relate to a range of strategies and initiatives being pursued under the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 62 AJA2 focuses on crime prevention, early intervention, increased diversion and reduced re-offending, and involves coordinated action by agencies across the justice continuum including police, courts, corrections and youth justice (DHS) in partnership with Indigenous communities and organisations. A range of youth initiatives developed under AJA2 focus on preventing initial contact and reducing the likelihood of subsequent contact with the criminal justice system. These initiatives have contributed to a reduction in the rate at which police process Indigenous young people, the predominant point of entry into the system. The specific youth initiatives under AJA2 which have continued in 2010–11 include:

• The Koori Early School Leavers and Youth Employment Program, which operates in Mildura and North Western Metropolitan Melbourne and aims to prevent adverse contact with the justice system by engaging Indigenous young people (aged 10–20 years) with school or alternative educational, vocational or employment pathways to counteract disconnection or poor connection to school, training or work.

• The Frontline Youth Initiatives Program, which provides grants to support Koori communities to address crime prevention and community safety issues through diverse projects focused on engaging young people that may involve sporting, cultural, music, arts, performance, training and leadership activities (see Box 6.3).

• Employment of Indigenous Officers by Victoria Police in locations across Victoria through the Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Program, aimed at building positive relationships between Victoria Police and the Victorian Indigenous community.

• A collaboration between the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and Victoria Police to deliver the Police Cautioning and Koori Youth Diversion Program, aimed at reducing over-representation by increasing the levels of cautioning by police when engaging with the community, particularly Indigenous youth.

• The Koori Pre and Post Release Program, which provides intensive outreach services to Indigenous young people exiting Victoria’s youth justice custodial centres and facilitates referrals to accommodation and community based culturally specific services. Other youth initiatives include:

• The Koori Youth Justice Program, which arose from the Report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1991) and aims to reduce the over-representation rate of young Indigenous people in the criminal justice system by providing a range of Indigenous culturally appropriate intensive support work to reduce, divert and rehabilitate young Indigenous people who are at risk of offending or re-offending.

• The diversionary Koori Intensive Bail Support Program, which operates in five regions across Victoria and provides intensive and culturally-relevant outreach services to support young people to comply with their bail conditions and facilitate referrals to community-based and culturally-specific support services, and access to accommodation.

Box 6.3 The Frontline Youth Initiatives Program – Share Your Story project

The Share Your Story project is run by Ngwala Willumbong Co-operative Ltd in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology for Indigenous young people living in South Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne. Of the 22 participants in the program, many had left school prior to Year 10, experienced homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, or some combination of these. Over half of all participants completed their Certificate IV in Youth Work by the end of the project in November 2010, and over 40 per cent of all participants found employment–many for the first time. Feedback from participants reflected an increased sense of pride, attainment of family and community respect, a sense of direction and of having ‘broken’ a cycle of perceived disadvantage.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 63 Indicator 6.5 Reduce the proportion of Indigenous people remanded in custody Indicator 6.6 Reduce the proportion of Indigenous adults sentenced to prison rather than other alternatives

The proportion of Indigenous offenders on remand (un-sentenced) in 2010–11 was 20.2 per cent. Over the past five years, the ‘gap’ or difference between Indigenous and non-Indigenous remand outcomes has more than halved44. The proportion of Indigenous offenders sentenced to prison rather than other orders in 2010–11 was 30.3 per cent. The ‘gap’ or difference between Indigenous and non-Indigenous sentencing outcomes has decreased steadily over the past four years. Table 6.5: Proportion of daily average number of offenders on remand45

Table 6.6: Proportion of offenders sentenced to prison rather than other orders46

A number of programs are in place to reduce the number of Indigenous people detained prior to sentencing, and the number and proportion of Indigenous people sentenced to prison. Responsive and inclusive service provision is a key strategic objective of the AJA and aims to ensure mainstream and positive justice related services take into account and respond to the needs of the Koori community. The Court Integrated Services Program is an example of a non-Indigenous-specific program that employs Aboriginal Liaison Officers located at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and the Latrobe Valley Law Courts to support Indigenous clients with coordinated case management. A referral program at each remand prison ensures that Indigenous defendants have access to drug and alcohol treatment and support such as crisis accommodation, disability and mental health programs to address underlying causes of their offending, as well as assistance in completing a referral. An evaluation of the Court Integrated Services Program found a 20 per cent reduction in the likelihood of re-offending. For those who did re-offend, both the frequency and severity of their offending decreased. In addition, wellbeing outcomes in relation to drug abuse, mental health and housing also improved. One of the more significant Indigenous-specific initiatives are the Koori Courts that operate as a division of the Magistrates’, Children’s and County Court of Victoria to allow greater participation by the Indigenous community in the court process. Koori Courts have been established in Magistrates’ courts in Broadmeadows, Shepparton, Warrnambool, Mildura, Moe/Latrobe Valley, Bairnsdale and Swan Hill. In addition, two Children’s Koori Courts operate in Mildura and Melbourne and a County Koori Court, the first of its kind in Australia, operates in Morwell as part of a four-year pilot project.

The Koori Courts seek to address Indigenous over-representation by providing a culturally-sensitive

44 In 2005-06 the difference between Indigenous and non-Indigenous remand outcomes was 4.8 percentage points, by 2010–11 this gap had reduced to 1.9 percentage points. 45 Data Source: Corrections Victoria Data Warehouse. Note: Prisoners with unknown Indigenous status have not been included in any of the calculations. 46 See footnote above.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 64 environment within the court, not only in its layout and design, but also through the employment of a number of Koori Elders and Respected Persons, and Koori Court Officers. An evaluation of the Children’s Koori Court (Courtroom 7) published by La Trobe University in 2010 highlighted the effectiveness of the Children’s Koori Court in fostering positive participation in the court system by Indigenous youth, and engaging them in culturally-appropriate discussions about their offending behaviour and its underlying causes. The evaluation highlighted strong community support for the Koori Courts, increasing Indigenous ownership of the law, greater community accountability for their youth and increased awareness of Indigenous community codes of conduct and standards of behaviour. The evaluation also found there were notable improvements in justice outcomes including low ’failure to appear’ rates and breaches of court orders. There are a range of initiatives aimed at supporting Indigenous offenders on community based orders. These include:

• The Indigenous Leading Community Corrections Officer (ILCCOs) program, which provides culturally- sensitive supervision of Indigenous offenders on community-based orders by developing and maintaining relationships between Community Correctional Services and the Indigenous community to prevent more serious contact with the correctional system.

• Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place (WNLP), which is a residential facility for Indigenous men on community-based orders where they receive support to complete their orders while learning life skills that will reduce the likelihood of re-offending (refer to Box 6.5).

• The Local Justice Worker and Koori Offender Support and Mentoring programs, which are community-based initiatives that aim to reduce the number of Indigenous offenders breaching community correctional orders (refer to Box 6.6).

Box 6.5 Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place

Located in Gippsland, Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place (WNLP) is a residential facility for Indigenous men on community-based orders. At WNLP, participants receive support to complete their orders while learning life skills that will reduce the likelihood of re-offending. Participants reside at WNLP for three to six months, and each participant has an individual case management plan that addresses their particular needs. The unique design of WNLP and its programs has been recognised not only in Victoria, but internationally in 2010 by the International Corrections and Prisons Association, which presented Wulgunggo Ngalu with a community corrections award for its quality and innovation in addressing the needs of Indigenous offenders.

Box 6.6 Local Justice Worker and Koori Offender Support and Mentoring Programs

The Local Justice Worker and Koori Offender Support and Mentoring programs are community-based initiatives that aim to reduce the number of Indigenous offenders breaching community correctional orders. Local Justice Workers in 10 community organisations help establish culturally-appropriate worksites for Indigenous offenders, and assist offenders to comply with their orders. Since 2008, more than 30 worksites have been established, with assistance provided to over 1000 clients. In addition, Koori Elders and Respected Persons provide support, mentoring, advice and cultural connection to Indigenous offenders to assist them to meet the requirements of their intensive community correctional orders. Since these programs began in 2007–08, there has been an increase in the number and proportion of community correctional orders successfully completed by Indigenous offenders, and by 2010–11, the successful completion rates for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians were almost identical.

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 65 Indicator 6.7 Reduce the proportion of Indigenous people who are convicted within two years of their previous conviction

The proportion of Indigenous Victorians who returned to prison within two years of release continued to decrease between 2005–06 and 2009–10. However, in 2010–11, the proportion of Indigenous Victorians who returned to prison under sentence within two years of discharge was 54.9 per cent. Furthermore, the number of times Indigenous Victorians were more likely than non-Indigenous Victorians to return to prison within two years of release (taking into account over-representation in the prison population) increased to 19.5. Table 6.7.1: Proportion of prisoners released who returned to prison under sentence within two years47

2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 Indigenous 52.2% 56.5% 48.6% 50.0% 49.1% 45.0% 54.9% Non- 37.7% 35.3% 35.6% 35.2% 33.1% 32.6% 35.7% Indigenous

Table 6.7.1 indicates that over the past seven years, Indigenous persons released from prison are approximately one and a half times more likely than non-Indigenous persons to return to prison within two years of release. Table 6.7.2 reveals that when Indigenous rates of over-representation in the prisoner population are compounded by their higher rate of return to prison, the disparity between Indigenous and non- Indigenous imprisonment rates is further magnified. Table 6.7.2: Number of times Indigenous persons are more likely than non-Indigenous persons to return to prison under sentence within two years of release48

2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 17.9 19.3 16.8 17.5 15.7 14.0 19.5

A person in Victoria is considered a re-offender if they return to prison under sentence within two years of discharge. As such, a person discharged in 2008–09 would be considered a re-offender if returned to prison under sentence by 2010–11. The rate at which released prisoners return to the criminal justice system is one measure of recidivism and can broadly be defined as the tendency for an offender to engage in criminal behaviour repeatedly49. Reducing recidivism will decrease the number of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and the impact of incarceration on family and community members. It will also assist to reduce Indigenous over-representation in the system. The rate at which released prisoners return to the criminal justice system is one measure of recidivism and can broadly be defined as the tendency for an offender to engage in criminal behaviour repeatedly49. Reducing recidivism will decrease the number of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system and the impact of incarceration on family and community members. It will also assist to reduce Indigenous over-representation in the system.

47 Data Source: Corrections Victoria Data Warehouse. Note: Column headings refer to the final return period. Prisoners with unknown Indigenous status have not been included in any of the calculations 48 Measure refers to the rate of over-representation of Indigenous persons as prisoners who return to custody within two years and shows the compounding effects of a higher rate of Indigenous than non-Indigenous imprisonment combined with a higher Indigenous rate of return to prison. Data Source: Corrections Victoria Data Warehouse and Department of Justice population projections derived from 2001 and 2006 ABS Censuses. Note: Column headings refer to the final return period. Prisoners with unknown Indigenous status have not been included in any of the calculations. 49 Payne, J. (2007) Recidivism in Australia: findings and future research cited by Sentencing Advisory Council Victoria

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 66 A number of initiatives implemented under AJA2 aim to reduce re-offending. These initiatives focus on supporting the rehabilitation of Indigenous prisoners, addressing factors that put Indigenous offenders at high risk of re-offending, and ensuring that Indigenous people in custody can effectively re-integrate with their communities upon release. These include:

• The well-attended and week-long Aboriginal Cultural Immersion Program (ACIP), which encourages Indigenous prisoners to connect or reconnect with their culture and re-examine their responsibilities to self, others and the community.

• The problem-solving and cognitive behavioural therapy based Koori Cognitive Skills Program, which utilises an Indigenous facilitator and a Corrections Victoria psychologist and is currently running in various prisons and community corrections locations across the state.

• Konnect, Corrections Victoria’s intensive transitional support program that provides responsive case management for adult Indigenous women and men exiting prison commencing at eight to ten weeks prior to release, with support continuing for up to 12 months after release.

• Two properties (in Shepparton and Mildura) established under Corrections Victoria’s Better Pathways Strategy for use by Indigenous women and their families with a history of homelessness who are defendants seeking bail, undertaking a community based order or entering parole. Acronyms

ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics AJA2 Aboriginal Justice Agreement – second phase COAG Council of Australian Governments LGA Local Government Area LIN Local Indigenous Network NAPLAN National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy NIRA National Indigenous Reform Agreement TAFE Technical and Further Education VACCHO Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation VCAL Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning VCE Victorian Certificate of Education VECCI Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry VET Vocational Education and Training VIAF Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework RAJAC Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 67 Cover Image: Victorian Aboriginal shields Source: Museum Victoria Photographer: Rob Blackburn

Authorised and published by the Aboriginal Affairs Taskforce Department of Planning and Community Development 1 Spring Street Melbourne, Victoria 3000 March 2012 ©Copyright State Government of Victoria 2012 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised and published by Jeanette Powell 8 Nicholson Street, Melbourne, 3000 Print managed by Finsbury Green 2012 Printed on 100% recycled paper Designed by Marcus Lee Design ISBN 978-1-921940-33-0 If you would like to receive this publication in an accessible format, please telephone (03) 9208 3020 or email [email protected] This publication is also published in PDF and Word formats on www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/indigenous/publications-and-research/indigenous-affairs-report

Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2010-11 68